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Next Sunday, Bronxville resident David Kilsheimer is going to lace up his running shoes as he joins team “Answer the Call - the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund” to raise money that will support the families of fallen first responders in New York City.
Civil service is nothing new to Kilsheimer, whose grandfather - and former Bronxville resident - Michael Lombardi was a member of the FDNY and his brother serves as a police officer in Yonkers.
“Answer the Call was truly the only option I considered when choosing a charity to run for this year, because I strongly believe in their mission and empathize with those they serve, as we have a few first responders in our family,” he said. “I was lucky enough to have my grandfather be a part of my life growing up, but not all kids are so fortunate to have their heroes come home from the dangerous job of safeguarding our communities.”
For Kilsheimer, running the marathon for "Answer the Call" kills two birds with one stone, as he accomplishes a dream and raises money for an organization close to he and his family. In total, with less than a week to go before the Nov. 6 marathon, he has raised more than $3,300 of his $3,600 goal, while team “Answer the Call” is nearing a grand total of $40,000. Donations can be made up until the day of the marathon.
“I’ve dreamed of running the New York City Marathon for many years and simply never won the lottery to get in,” he said. “As a marathon runner living in New York, everyone asks if you’ve run it, and it’s a little heartbreaking not to have the opportunity to do so in 10 years of running.”
Kilsheimer said that he hopes that when he crosses the finish line in Central Park next Sunday that he can inspire others to stay healthy and to raise awareness of the importance and good work that the Benefit Fund does.
“On a personal level, I hope that people see that running a marathon is not an impossible ream and the benefits of training are so valuable to staying fit and healthy,” he said. “More importantly, I would hope that people recognize the great work that the Benefit Fund does in supporting families of first responders and choose to get involved as we did.”
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