Timothy Parks' United States Marine Corps Marathon Fundraiser

Timothy Parks has been running and bicycling for most of his 70 years on this planet. A few times over those years, he has used those activities to raise money for worthy causes.

His present endeavor is to raise money for the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware through participation in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Marathon in Washington, D.C., on October 26, 2025.

This marathon has special meaning for Tim: It is the 50th anniversary of the marathon, it has been 50 years since Tim was an active US Marine, and it is the 250th anniversary year for the USMC. Tim has never run in a marathon before but is a firm believer that the image of a screaming Drill Instructor right behind him, along with expert coaching from Leo, will push him to succeed.

Tim has been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) since 2015 and is currently working for PAM Health Rehab Sussex facility in Milford, DE. It is there that he got to know Sarah Puglisi, a Physical Therapist Assistant; through her he was introduced to Leo (AKA Chef Leo and Coach Leo).

Tim hopes to raise lots of money to assist the DSADE in providing support and care for the Down Syndrome community of Delaware, including the cooking class that Leo and his mother teach.

Tim and his wife, Lynn, live in Seaford and have two adult children and three grandchildren. They enjoy the company of their cat, Libby. Tim is partially retired and has many hobbies, including clarinet playing, raising catfish and running.

“I have always, in the back of my mind, wanted to run this marathon but I never had time to train properly,” Tim says. “Now, I can run it and perhaps provide funding for a great program.”

Leo is an amazing 9 year old who brightens up the world every single day. He’s a natural performer with a witty sense of humor and a great imagination. His one-of-a-kind personality was shining bright as soon as he was born. He loves superheroes (don’t tell anyone but he’s secretly Spider-Man), watching his favorite hockey team the Washington Capitals, playing soccer, and getting new books at the bookstore. He’s a bonafide movie buff and loves cranking up his favorite music. Leo also enjoys cooking and history – especially ancient Egypt. He has a huge heart and wants to help people when they’re sad, especially younger kids. He loves his shelties Charlie and Annie, as well as animals of all kinds, who sense his kind soul and flock to be his friend. His family is very important to him, even more than tacos! While he may secretly be Spider-Man, he's a real life superhero to us all.