Christopher Calderone completed the New Jersey Marathon in just under four hours on his 36th birthday.

But the fourth-grade teacher at Brooks Crossing Elementary in South Brunswick had an even bigger reason to celebrate. By running in that marathon last month, Calderone raised more than $3,200 to help with the medical- and physical therapy-related expenses of a local second-grader.

Calderone, who has been teaching in the township for 12 years, noticed Shaonna Roberts using a walker in the school hallways. "Her determination and courage inspired me instantly,'' he said in an email. "She had the "never give up" attitude and it showed as she made her way through our halls. I was signed up for the marathon already, but I found myself replaying mental images of Shaonna's determination on challenging longer runs. When my legs wanted to quit, I thought how Shaonna has no choice, she can't quit. I started to think about what an amazing little person she is, and I would find that little extra effort to finish my training runs strong."

He was out on an early morning 7-mile training run when he had an idea: Shaonna did not know it, but she had inspired him during his training. So, after a talk with her teacher, Sue Pazinko, and with the support of his principal, Jodi Mahoney, and assistant principal, Manny Caravano, he set up a "Go Fund Me" page.

Within days, he raised $1,000, and the campaign has now collected more than $3,200.

Shane's mother left a note for the teacher on the Go Fund Me page: "Thank you so much Chris for doing this for my daughter,'' she wrote. "You are (an) awesome person.''