NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Throughout the summer, WCBS Newsradio 880 is presenting a series of reports looking ahead to the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Our series, "Rising from the Ashes," tells stories that inspire and teach; stories that honor the sacrifices of that day and how that work continues to impact the lives of others 20 years later.
The seeds of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation were planted with the heroic actions of Stephen Siller on Sept. 11, 2001.
“On September 11, [he] strapped 60-pounds of gear on his back and ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, out the other side to help people, went up West Street into what we believe was the South Tower,” said brother, Frank Siller.
The 34-year-old firefighter was ultimately killed that day in the towers and not long after his death, Frank Siller started the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his honor.
“We wanted to take care of kids that were left behind of parents that died,” said Siller.
Over the years, the non-profit has grown significantly – and so has its mission.
"It changed in 2011, when we built the first smart home for Staten Island resident, Sergeant Brendan Marrocco, the first quadruple amputee to ever survive any war,” explained Siller.
Since then, more than 100 smart homes have been built and paid for by the foundation.
Additionally, the foundation has started paying off mortgages for fallen first responders and others who die in the line of duty. About 200 mortgages have been paid off during this year alone.
Siller says many of the mortgage payments have gone to first responders who have died of a 9/11-related illness.
“We're gonna take care of these families, if they have any children 21 years or younger, and if their loved ones died of 9/11 illness and is a first responder, because they were on that pile looking for my brother, looking for their brothers,” Siller said.
The foundation has raised over $250 million over the last 20 years and is still committed to helping the 9/11 community.
“It's been quite a journey… but when we're not finished by any means, we have a lot of work ahead of us,” Siller said.
He added that they want to embody the motto “Never Forget.”