Team RBNY-18 to Make the Climb

 Team RBNY-18 to Make  the Climb

By Katie McFadden

Team RBNY-18 is about to embark on another climb in remembrance of those who died on 9/11. On Sunday, October 20, more than 35 locals have teamed up to make the climb at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park as part of the National Stair Climb in honor of those who died on 9/11.

Every year, thousands ascend upon a local venue to climb 2,200 steps, symbolizing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center Towers, the same climb FDNY firefighters made on September 11, 2001, in which 343 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice. To honor that climb, each year the National Stair Climb is held to pay tribute to the fallen and to raise funds for those who continue to struggle with 9/11 related illnesses. Money raised goes toward the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to support the families of local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit. All participants receive an honorary badge of one of the fallen heroes of September 11 to wear as they make the climb.

“The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is dedicated to remembering the courage of our firefighters who sacrificed their lives to protect our communities,” said NFFF Chief Executive Officer Victor Stag­naro. “One way we accomplish that is by hosting the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, which pays tribute to the FDNY’s firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice during one of the darkest moments in our country’s history. This event not only allows us to continue providing critical support to these heroes’ families and colleagues – but promises them that their firefighters will always be remembered.”

Led by Jen Fabry, Team RBNY-18, named for the 18 firefighters lost from Rockaway to Breezy Point on 9/11, currently serves as the top fundraising team for the event, raising more than $4,000 of their $6,000 goal. Team members John Burke, a local retired firefighter, is the second highest individual fundraiser, raising more than $850 for the event. To help support Team RBNY-18, head to: https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/nyc24 and find Team RBNY-18 to click on their link and make a donation or join their team.

For those interested in joining the event, onsite registration begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m. and the climb starts at 10:30 a.m.

With Memorial Stair Climbs in nearly 25 states, these events help to fund the FDNY Counseling Service Unit, as well as NFFF programs supporting the families of fallen firefighters nationwide. In recent weeks, NFFF has launched a new nationwide campaign called 50X25 designed to encourage local communities and fire departments to host Memorial Stair Climb events in every state in the country by the 25th anniversary of 9/11 in 2026.

Good job and good luck on Sunday, Team RBNY-18!

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