Michael Fallarino has seen a lot of change over his fourteen years on the Board of Directors at RMHC New York Metro. One thing that hasn’t changed? Michael’s love of running. When Mike started running races in 1979, there were no smart watches or gels.
“I used to fuel up on Lifesavers candy and water!” says Mike.
Now he has his fitness trackers, electrolytes drinks, and tracks his carbohydrate intake. 2025 marks Mike’s sixth marathon for Team RMHC.
Running for Team RMHC
Before Team RMHC, Mike Fallarino began running at Holy Cross High School as a teenager. Despite having asthma, Mike was determined to push through and found a true love of long-distance running. As an adult, Mike married his lovely wife Kerry and became a father of three amazing children, Alexis, Christa and Michael. Mike continued to foster a love of athletics—including running—in his children.
Since Mike’s first marathon in 1979, he has run a total of eight races, with his ninth coming up on October 12, 2025 in Chicago for Team RMHC. About running, Mike says:
“Running is my time to clear my mind. I can reflect on my life and my family. It helps to keep me grounded. It’s great for my health and I love supporting Ronald McDonald House.”
All In the Family
After taking a hiatus from running, Mike was happy to be back supporting Team RMHC. For most of Mike’s career as CFO of Farrel Fritz, he hit pause on his long-distance running so he could focus on his family and other activities. The first time Mike ran the New York City marathon in 2019, he got to run alongside some family and friends. Matthew Campo, CEO of Ronald McDonald House, ran the race along with Mike’s son, Michael and his wife Theresa. It was a full-circle moment for Mike, allowing him to raise money for Team RMHC, a cause close to his heart.
Mike chose Ronald McDonald House as his charity of choice because of a family tragedy. Many years ago, Mike’s niece, Tara Fallarino, passed away shortly after her second birthday. While she was alive, Tara endured six grueling surgeries in an effort to save her life. Tara’s life was cut short, and in her memory, Mike and his family vowed to fundraise for Ronald McDonald House to help families like Tara’s.
Fueled by a Purpose
Mike has been supporting families at Ronald McDonald House for over twenty years. Mike’s years of fundraising through events, partnerships, and races has led Mike to where he is today. His decades of leadership, compassion, and service allow Mike to make a true impact.
Mike served on the Board as Chairman for several years and remains steadfast in his commitment to lead RMHC New York Metro with purpose and conviction. Now, as treasurer, Mike continues to serve and lead. As he trains for the October 12th marathon in Chicago, Mike is seeking donations that will go towards the new Stony Brook Ronald McDonald House.
With every dollar raised, we are closer to our goal of building a home away from home for families of ill or injured children in Suffolk County. Located next to Stony Brook Children’s, the new Ronald McDonald House will provide families with overnight accommodations, respite, meals, laundry, and 24-hour support because our vision is a world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their childen.