2025 TCS New York City Marathon
Sunday, November 2, in NYC
What a day! All five of our TCS New York City Marathon Waverunners crossed the finish line, racking up miles and funds for families in need.
We’re deeply grateful to our runners for their dedication, and to the donors, supporters and everyone whose cheers helped propel them to success. Abiola, Ashley, Lily, Shannon and Wakim: you are our champions! Their miles, and your generosity, bring care within reach to families who urgently need it. If you haven’t had a chance yet, you can still support their efforts through November 24, 2025.
Meet our 2025 Waverunners!
Wakim Andre
Andre is a marketing executive who lives in New Jersey and is married to our Chief Medical Officer Shani Andre. While she runs our clinics, he is running the marathon to support her and the hospital’s mission. Originally from Haiti, Andre has witnessed the devastating results when people lack basic healthcare. His motivation stems from a powerful desire to ensure these essential services remain accessible to those who need them most. That motivation kept him going last year as he ran on an injured foot and was the leading fundraiser in our inaugural group. Andre attended Rutgers University where he received a bachelor's degree in public health and biology and a mini-MBA in financial essentials.
Shannon Bennett
Bennett is a physician assistant in pediatric critical care at NYU Langone Health. Originally from Rockville Centre, New York, she now lives in Brooklyn. “As a health care provider, I truly understand the gaps in healthcare that The Floating Hospital works to fill. I am honored to represent and partner with The Floating Hospital to work towards equitable health care,” she said. Bennett received a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Hofstra and a bachelor's degree from Union College.
Abiola Oke
A New York City resident and graduate of City College, Oke is an entrepreneur from Nigeria who is also a philanthropist, film producer, advisor and inspirational speaker, among a few of his professional roles. He said he’s running for The Floating Hospital because our “mission to provide no-barrier health care for NYC families resonates deeply with my values of service, resilience, and community.” His website has more information and an extended bio.
Lily Round
Round, who is from Los Angeles, is a teacher in the Bay Area and with a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of California, Berkeley. After attending college in New York City, she focused on environmental advocacy and served as a volunteer health educator in the Bronx before she turned to education. She said, “I'm inspired by The Floating Hospital's mission of providing medical services to those most in need… I see public education as a form of community activism and care, not dissimilar from the ethos of the work of the Hospital.
Ashley Sandberg
Sandberg, who sits on our foundation board and is fluent in Japanese, is a brand development and publicity professional and executive vice president of Triple 7 Public Relations. She has worked with companies such as Paramount, NBC Universal, ABC and Warner Bros. Television Group. At the University of Utah, she received degrees in theater/film and mass communications. She began her career in Los Angeles, but has been working and residing in New York since 2005.
For nearly 160 years, The Floating Hospital has brought healthcare and crucial support to those most in need. By sponsoring our marathon team with your donation, you’re not just inspiring them to take on a 26.2-mile challenge; you’re choosing to be a beacon of change. Together, we can ensure that our integrated care model reaches far and wide, offering a lifeline of support to families navigating through turbulent times.
Waverunners team benefits
Guaranteed entry into the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon
Fundraising toolkit
Team t-shirt & The Floating Hospital tote bag
Pre-race team dinner
Waverunners 2025 team member commitment
Raise a minimum of $3,000 for The Floating Hospital
Race registration fee paid to the New York Roadrunners (non-members: $315, members: $255). Entries are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Let us know if you want to join our Waverunners team at the TCS New York City Marathon in 2026. Please email waverunners@thefloatinghospital.org