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 more fond of the sport with each race. Watching him raise over $1 million for charity through his marathon efforts has shown her just how impactful one person’s dedication can be.
Training isn’t without its challenges. With Cassandra’s frequent travels, sticking to a schedule can be tough. Still, she pushes herself to get her runs in—rain or shine—and remains committed to her goals. She plans to run this year’s marathon alongside her boyfriend. Running together has become a fun and motivating part of their routine, and she looks forward to continuing that tradition.
On long runs, Cassandra is driven by the desire to build mental strength, the pride of running for a meaningful cause, and the joy of pushing herself further each time. She runs without music, preferring to stay present and focused during her miles. Outside of running, Cassandra works as a nurse and enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews. Giving back is an important part of her life, both personally and professionally.
Cassandra first got involved with Answer the Call after a colleague mentioned the organization and invited her to attend an event. Since then, she has remained connected and was excited to join the team as a runner this year.
After crossing the finish line, Cassandra celebrates with a well-earned treat. Her go-to post-race meal is pizza or a hamburger. Last year’s marathon after-party included White Castle and sushi, she said, “We went through hundreds of White Castle burgers!”
To the families of fallen first responders, Cassandra shares: “My heart goes out to anyone who has lost a loved one in the line of duty. I truly appreciate your strength and your ability to move forward. I am happy to contribute in any way I can.” We are proud to have Cassandra on Team Answer the Call and cannot wait to cheer her on!
Click here to support Cassandra’s fundraising efforts!
Answer the Call’s 2025 Summer Intern, Michael Mauro, conducted this interview and wrote this blog post.
