My whole life, I've felt things very deeply. I've always had strong feelings for people that I don't even know. When something happy happens to a complete stranger, I am genuinely happy for them. Likewise, when something terrible happens to a complete stranger, I feel great sadness for them. For most of my life so far, this bothered me, particularly when I'd feel sad for someone I didn't even know. It didn't make sense to me that other people could just let things go, when I felt such sadness for someone I didn't even know. However, I finally realized that this is not a cross I bear, but rather a gift of caring about others and caring for humankind as a whole. It is a gift that I have come to realize can be used to help others.
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On September 11, 2001, I didn't know much about the significance of that day, but I felt great sadness for our fellow citizens who died or lost loved ones. When I began on my path to working in public safety by becoming an EMT, and later a firefighter and paramedic, 9/11/2001 took on a new meaning. That day, nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives including 422 of our brothers and sisters in public safety (343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers, and 8 paramedics). What strikes me the most in this, is that many of them proceeded to help even though they knew their chances of survival were minimal to none. First responders are not fearless as some have said. We just have a belief that something else is more important, and that believe results in courage despite fear. I have always sought opportunities to honor their bravery in my own small way, which led me to participating in numerous 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs and the Tunnel to Towers Run, Walk, and Climb series.
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This year, I am serving as the Volunteer Race Director to bring a 5K to Dane County, Wisconsin because I feel that this cause is important. The event seeks to remember those lost on 9/11, to honor current first responders and military (both active duty and veterans), and to raise money to support T2T missions. We truly live in the shadows of giants. I feel my efforts are a very small way to honor their legacy of service and dedication to their communities and to humanity. Following a line of duty death, first responder sentiments often include "Rest easy, we'll take it from here." This is our chance to take it from here and to honor those lives lost. I ask you to support my efforts to raise money for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation that supports our nation’s fallen and catastrophically-injured first responders, military heroes and their families. Please make a donation today and thank you for your support.
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"While we have time, LET US DO GOOD."
