Shaina Koch is excited to run her first full marathon this November with Team Answer the Call! She began seriously running in 2023 as a way to stay fit and has found it to be both physically and mentally rewarding. Over the past year, she’s completed four half marathons: New York City, Long Island, Great…
William Jantzen is running his first-ever marathon this November with Team Answer the Call! While William didn’t grow up loving running, that started to change when he met his girlfriend, an experienced marathoner who has already completed three races and is signed up for three more this year. Her passion for the sport has helped…
Troy Moody is excited to return to the TCS New York City Marathon this fall, running once again with Team Answer the Call! Troy grew up with a deep respect for first responders. His father is a career firefighter and currently serves as the Deputy Chief of the City of Ithaca Fire Department. Having a…
Ciara McGee is proud to be running her very first marathon with Team Answer the Call! Running the New York City Marathon has been a personal goal for Ciara ever since she moved to New York to attend Fordham University in 2018. She is honored to run for a cause that hits close to home…
Tom Murray is excited to take on his first marathon with Team Answer the Call! Tom’s connection to the cause runs deep—his father is a former NYPD police officer, and Tom knows how fortunate he is to still have him here today. “Others are not as lucky,” he says. “This is a great cause, and…
Cassandra Steed is excited to be running her third New York City Marathon this year with Team Answer the Call! Cassandra wasn’t always a runner, but she found inspiration from her boyfriend, who has now completed 28 consecutive NYC Marathons. Over the past few years, running has become something they share, and she has grown…
The N.Y. Police and Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund mourns the passing of NYPD Chief Chaplain Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass. A pillar of strength and compassion for New York City for nearly 60 years, Rabbi Kass dedicated his life to supporting first responders and their families with faith, dignity, and unwavering care. He was…
The N.Y. Police and Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund mourns the passing of New York Jets legend Nick Mangold. Nick was a true friend of Answer the Call for more than a decade and a steadfast supporter of New York’s first responder community. Nick gave his time, energy, and heart to helping the families…
The N.Y. Police and Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund mourns the loss of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam Answer the Call joins all New Yorkers in mourning the heartbreaking loss of NYPD Police Officer Didarul Islam of the 47th Precinct. Officer Islam, just 36 years old, was tragically shot and killed on July 28, 2025…
The N.Y. Police and Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund mourns the recent passing of Howard Weiser. Howard served as a devoted and compassionate board member of our organization for many years. Howard’s commitment to helping others and his generous spirit will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed….
Lauren ran the New York City Half Marathon in March of 2024 on Team Answer the Call and is super excited to be running again in November! Lauren has a master’s degree in real estate development and works for a Real Estate Investment Trust on their Acquisitions Team. She anticipates that training might be difficult…
Zachary is thrilled to be running his first NYC Marathon! His running journey started in college as he found it to be a great form of exercise and a way to challenge himself. Training for the marathon allows Zachary to see different parts of New York City which he greatly admires. He is also lucky…
After picking up running during the pandemic, Victor is gearing up to run his fifth marathon this November! Throughout 2020, he started focusing on long distance running and working on improving his endurance, a focus that has since led him to running for Team Answer the Call! When deciding which charity to run for, Answer…
Kate is looking forward to running her first New York City Marathon on Team Answer the Call this November! Growing up, running was a way for Kate to get involved in her community and stay active. Now, she trains with a few friends for the New York City Marathon which has been the highlight of…
After losing her father at just 17 years old, Nicole found healing in running. She completed the New York City 2021 Marathon and decided that her next marathon would be for charity. Shortly thereafter, she discovered Answer the Call and felt a deep connection to its mission. She appreciates that Answer the Call can provide…
Patrick’s passion for Answer the Call is rooted in his family’s legacy of service with the NYPD, including his grandfather, mother, and brother. After joining the organization’s Associate Committee, he’s witnessed firsthand the positive impact it has on the families of fallen first responders. As he trains for the upcoming marathon, he’s finding a growing…
Kristina, a lifelong athlete, has always made running a part of her life, especially while training to play college lacrosse. Her passion for running grew over the years, leading her to complete a marathon in Nashville. Now, she’s getting ready for her first New York City Marathon with Team Answer the Call. She was introduced…
Running the New York City Marathon has been a major goal for Grace since the start of the 2020 pandemic where she found running to help clear her mind and keep her on schedule each day. In preparation for the marathon, Grace has been running 5ks and recently completed a 10k in March. Being that…
After running for about eight years, Victoria will be conquering her first ever long-distance run with Team Answer the Call this November! Not only is she a runner for this organization, but Victoria is also the current Operations Associate for Answer the Call. She believes Answer the Call has created a truly amazing community and…
Ever since becoming an avid field hockey player, Emma’s always had an affinity for running. Upon moving to New York last year, she found running to be a great way to explore the city. Both of Emma’s parents are Baltimore police officers, so a charity that benefits the families of fallen first responders greatly resonates…
