The Reason
As a retired lieutenant from Ladder 9 of the FDNY, and a survivor of 9/11, I have decided to dedicate the entire next year to raise money to help first responders in need.
We all remember where we were that fateful day. Briefly, I myself responded with Ladder 9 early to the World Trade Center North Tower and while heading towards the lobby entrance had to dodge falling bodies for our own safety. We made it up to the 35th floor in the North Tower when the South Tower collapsed and shook our building like a rag doll. Believing it could be another plane crashing into the towers, a battalion chief on our floor ordered us to evacuate. Shortly after we evacuated, the building we were in collapsed. We were caught in the dust storm that followed and eventually made our way up West Street. To the best of my knowledge, no firefighters performing search and rescue above the 35th floor survived the collapse of the North Tower. My full story can be found on haveaheartforheroes.org
I also went down to Ground Zero to assist in the recovery of human remains until my wife started to suffer complications during her pregnancy due to my continued presence at Ground Zero. It did cause her to give birth a month early to a healthy baby boy, exactly 3 months after 9/11.
A week later I fell off a ladder putting up Christmas lights. I was briefly knocked unconscious and suffered a minor concussion. Minor only because I stuck my arm out just before my head hit the ground, resulting in a broken arm. Stupid yes. Smart if you take into account no diaper changing for me for a while.
I’ve survived PTSD and all that comes with it, including survivors’ guilt, depression, nightmares, anxiety and a serious aversion to loud noises.
Next came (7) skin cancers in (9) years. All in areas that were not protected by my turnout gear when I was covered in dust from the South Tower collapse.
Then came a heart attack with 95% blockage of the “widow maker” artery. Diagnosed it, drove myself to the ER and here I am.
Throw in spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, knee surgery and rotator cuff surgery and I’ve kept my doctors quite busy keeping me upright.
I share this not for sympathy but to illustrate why I empathize with these men and women. I’ve literally survived many of the common health issues that afflict first responders before and after retirement. Yet somehow, I’m still here. Upright, relatively healthy and in possession of “most” of my faculties. Although those who know me best may debate that fact. There are many first responders out there that have not been as fortunate.
They are my motivation for “Rvin for a Reason.”
One of my first stops will be at a fundraiser on Staten Island on October 11th. I’ve attached the flyer and a pic of my RV.
If you are able to attend, and would like to make a donation, please visit haveaheartforheroes.org and click on DONATE NOW,
Hope to see you out on the road!
About the Organization
This blog, RVIN For A Reason is a component of “haveaheartforheroes.org” that we started in order to help first responders in need due to injury or illness. The type related to the many hazards they faced on a regular basis while serving their community. Heart disease, cancer and PTSD being chief among them.
Our Goal
First responders dedicate their lives to protecting communities, often facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges in the line of duty. Our goal is to provide meaningful assistance, resources, and advocacy for first responders and their families when they need it most.
