(424) 522-7654 
Los Angeles, CA This isn’t just a race — it’s a movement. It’s not just about the finish line — it’s about the people you meet, the stories you carry, and the impact you create. Meet the Cal Rehab Foundation Team.
Mia Wills
Relationship to Cal Rehab:
Certified Nursing Assistant
Number of Marathons Run:
0. This will be my 1st!
Favorite Place to Run:
My current favorite place to run is the Hollywood Reservoir!
Favorite Pre-Race Meal:
My favorite pre-race meal is a smoothie, and a breakfast bowl!
My “Why?”:
I chose to run with the Cal Rehab Foundation because I support and admire the work they do with countless patients and their families.
Dario Fantella
How did you hear about running for the Foundation:
I actually heard about running for the foundation from Amy Fujioka (OT) and fellow marathon teammate.
Number of Marathons Run:
This will be my second full marathon.
Favorite Place to Run:
The Ballona Creek bike path.
Favorite Pre-Race Meal:
Plain bagel with peanut butter, banana, cup of coffee, and plenty of water.
My “Why?”:
I’m running the LA marathon on behalf of the Team Cal Rehab Foundation to support past, present, and future patients in helping them regain independence and improve quality of life after injury or illness. Through my work I have seen how powerful these resources can be, and I am proud to dedicate my time to helping expand these resources to future patients.
Antoinette Saldana
How did you hear about running for the Foundation:
I was looking for a meaningful cause to support for the LA Marathon and connected with the amazing Ta’Mara, which led me to Team Cal Rehab Foundation!
Number of marathons run:
1 marathon — this will be my second. ◡̈
Favorite place to run:
The Strand, along the beach from El Segundo to Redondo Beach.
Favorite pre-race meal:
Peanut butter toast with banana on top!
My “why” (why I’m running for Team Cal Rehab Foundation):
I have always been an advocate for the Foundation’s mission and the life-changing impact of rehabilitation care. I work at Cedars-Sinai in the marketing department and see firsthand how compassionate, high-quality care can truly transform lives. There is also a meaningful connection between Cedars-Sinai and the California Rehabilitation Institute, which makes this cause especially personal to me. Supporting Team Cal Rehab Foundation means supporting a shared commitment to helping patients regain independence, strength, and hope through comprehensive rehabilitation.
Lorena Martinez
How I heard about running for the Foundation:
I heard about running for Cal Rehab from my friend, Brittany, whom I met at Runner’s Hiii run club in Manhattan Beach a couple years ago.
Number of marathons run:
I’ve run 8 marathons, at least one annually since 2019.
Favorite place to run:
My favorite place to run is basically anywhere in nature, preferably amongst big trees in the mountains.
Favorite pre-race meal:
My favorite pre-race meal would be a simple oatmeal with cinnamon & brown sugar.
My “why” (why I’m running for Team Cal Rehab Foundation):
I’m running on behalf of Cal Rehab Foundation because I believe it’s important to support our community members as they work towards getting their lives back in order, especially after adversity.
Tyson King
How I heard about running for the Foundation:
Heard about the foundation through a coworker (previous runner Kelly Moore)
Number of marathons run:
This is my first marathon
Favorite place to run:
Santa Monica or anywhere on the coast
Favorite pre-race meal:
Fettuccine Alfredo
My “why” (why I’m running for Team Cal Rehab Foundation):
Running this marathon is my way of giving back. Giving me an opportunity to support rehabilitation care and resources that make recovery possible.
Amy Fujioka
How I heard about running for the Foundation:
From colleagues who have previously ran for the Foundation.
Number of marathons run:
This is going to be my first one!
Favorite place to run:
Santa Monica beach path
Favorite pre-race meal:
Bagels, bananas, and Celsius
My “why” (why I’m running for Team Cal Rehab Foundation):
I am running on behalf of Team Cal Rehab Foundation to raise money for an organization that I hold very close to my heart. I work with individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries at Cal Rehab, and the Foundation’s grants have provided essential resources and adaptive equipment that have helped my patients live more independently and ensure a safe and possible transition home.
Desiree Ann Gonzales Hosena, MHA, RD, CPT
How I heard about running for the Foundation:
I learned about running for the Cal Rehab Foundation through my role at California Rehabilitation Institute. Being part of the CRI community and seeing the impact of rehabilitation firsthand made joining the team feel like a natural fit.
Number of marathons run:
I have run three full marathons and eight half marathons.
Favorite place to run:
My favorite place to run is early mornings along the coast or anywhere I can settle into a long steady run especially if there is a sunrise involved.
Favorite pre-race meal:
My favorite pre race meal is a sourdough English muffin, with a little sunflower butter, strawberry jelly…. and coffee.
My “why” (why I’m running for Team Cal Rehab Foundation):
The Cal Rehab Foundation honestly has a special place in my heart. As a clinical dietitian at CRI I work closely with patients who show up with resilience determination and trust in the rehabilitation process. Running on behalf of the Foundation is my way of honoring the patients I work with while supporting programs that help them regain strength independence and confidence and continuing to invest in care that changes lives far beyond the finish line.
Sam Cohen
How I heard about running for the Foundation:
Married to the Executive Director of Cal Rehab Foundation!
Number of marathons run:
2
Favorite place to run:
Along the cliffs of Palos Verdes
Favorite pre-race meal:
Eggs, toast, and banana
My “why” (why I’m running for Team Cal Rehab Foundation):
.My wife is making me run.
Ta’Mara Aarin
How I heard about running for the Foundation:
Stroke Survivor, Former Cal Rehab Institute Patient, and Proud Cal Rehab Foundation Volunteer.
Number of marathons run:
Hard to say. If I were to guess. I would estimate 11. I’ve been a runner since 2006 with too many races to count. I used marathons as training runs for the larger races.
Favorite pre-race meal:
Oatmeal for sure.
Favorite quote:
No matter your current circumstances, if you can imagine something better for yourself, you can create it! “unknown”
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During the process of recovery, one of the most important things we can do is show others they are not alone. Each day, we are inspired by the stories of individuals who demonstrate strength and resilience during life’s most difficult challenges. By partnering with the Cal Rehab Foundation, you can bring the gifts of hope, healing and independence to people with physical disabilities.
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A generous spirit and grateful heart can help transform lives. Your tax-deductible donation to the Cal Rehab Foundation empowers people recovering from illness or injury, especially the most vulnerable and underserved, to rebuild their lives. Whatever the amount, your gift will make a difference!
