provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Sanibel City Councilmember John Henshaw and Sanibel Captiva Trust Company president Jeff Muddell are preparing to head to New York City on June 2 to climb more than 2,200 stairs at the Freedom Tower to raise funds for the Tunnels to Tower Foundation.
Each year since 2015, Foundation has held the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb at One World Trade Center. One thousand participants climb 104 stories, symbolizing strength, hope and the resiliency of the American spirit. The event celebrates the life and sacrifice of all 9/11 heroes, including FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller and FDNY Captain Billy Burke.
Henshaw is no stranger to lower Manhattan or the World Trade Center complex. As head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2004, he helped oversee the government response to the September 11th terrorist attacks. OSHA played a critical role in monitoring disaster rescue workers’ exposures to dangerous toxins while toiling among the World Trade Center building debris.
“Through my time working at Ground Zero, I met and worked with many first responders who survived that day and continued working with them through the search and recovery, and cleanup and recovery efforts,” said Henshaw. “I have a great deal of respect for them and all those responding to this attack on our country.
“It’s an honor to participate in this event and support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission of providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families and eradicating veteran homelessness.”
Muddell is a native of Clifton, New Jersey, just 13 miles west of the World Trade Center. While he was already living in Florida during 9/11, he vividly recalls the 1993 attack on the World Trade center, and he knows many friends and families affected by the September 11th terrorist attack.
“Even in the suburbs, it seems everyone knows someone who was lost in 9/11. So, this Tunnel to Towers event will be special, and it will be great to support John, who played a crucial role in all the work that happened in lower Manhattan after 9/11,” said Muddell.
All funds raised go directly to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. You can support this heartfelt effort by visiting these fundraising pages: https://runsignup.com/TeamSanibelJohn and https://runsignup.com/TeamSanibelJeff. To learn more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, visit www.T2T.org
SeaLevel to the top of NYC via 2,200 steps better be in shape as that is not a climb that is easy unless in aerobically fit shape. Good luck 🍀! Great Cause.