Tunnel to Towers

Twenty-five years after the attacks of Sept. 11, the nearly 3,000 victims continue to be spoken about and honored. In the aftermath of the attack, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established by New York City firefighter Stephen Sillers’ family. Siller had just finished his overnight shift with FDNY Squad 1 in Brooklyn when he learned that the World Trade Center had been attacked. After driving back to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, which was closed, he put on his firefighting gear and ran through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave his life helping others. His family established the foundation to ensure that his heroism and sacrifice, and the sacrifices of all first responders, military service members, and their families, would never be forgotten. 

Each year, the Tunnel to Towers run/walk in New York City draws about 30,000 people who retrace the route that Stephen Siller took. Last year, Spring Lake Heights resident Kathy Cunningham established The Jersey Shore Tunnel to Towers Run and Walk 5K in Wall Township. The event supports The Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its mission to “Never Forget.” Kathy’s brother Donald Robertson, Jr was 35 years old and one of the Cantor Fitzgerald employees killed in the North Tower, leaving behind a wife and four children. From this tragedy came purpose. Kathy now serves on the Board of the Foundation while also leading the charge at the Jersey Shore so that locals can participate in their own community.  

Team Shamrock 

At the center of the Jersey Shore Run is Team Shamrock, a name chosen because of Donald’s shamrock tattoo. They are a dedicated group of volunteers who work year-round building awareness for the foundation’s “Never Forget” mission. The Jersey Shore has always had a strong sense of community, where friends and neighbors support one another, so the Tunnel to Towers mission is especially meaningful. Local businesses contribute sponsorships and volunteers donate their time.  Participants return because they believe in the foundation’s mission to honor the lives lost, support families facing unimaginable loss, and inspire future generations. 

Since its inception, Team Shamrock has raised over two million dollars, which has gone to building smart homes (that bear a plaque honoring Donald) for the most catastrophically injured US service members, and also paying off mortgages for first responders killed in the line of duty.  In addition to the run/walks, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation raises money through motorcycle rides, charity dinners, golf outings, and tower climbs. Kathy says, “To keep my brother’s memory alive, Stephen’s memory alive, and all those who were lost on 9/11, we do good by taking care of our military and first responders, and now our homeless veterans. Tunnel to Towers supports America’s heroes.”   

On race day, American flags line the course. Firefighters, police officers, military veterans, and neighbors will wear the names of loved ones across their shirts or carry photographs of family members lost on Sept. 11 or in military service. Many simply come to say thank you, and to “Never Forget”. It is a day of remembrance, healing, and hope. Kathy says, “Our local community is a community of proud patriots who remember 9/11 and vow to never forget it and join in the mission of Tunnel to Towers.” 

Keeping the Memory Alive

As the years pass, a new generation has grown up with little or no memory of Sept. 11. Events like the Jersey Shore Tunnel to Towers Run help bridge that gap, transforming something kids learn about in school into something personal. Organizations like Tunnel to Towers remind young people why names are read each September and why communities continue to gather decades later. 

Currently, Kathy tours the country keeping the memory of those lost on Sept. 11 alive, emphasizing the importance of never forgetting the victims and their families. The message she spreads is more about honoring the lives that were lost than about the tragedy, turning grief into purpose. 

To make the impact even greater, Kathy and her team travel with a piece of steel from the World Trade Center that ironworkers and recovery workers cut into a small cross.  These pieces were presented to some of the victims’ families and creates a tangible connection to Ground Zero. The steel is a symbol that reinforces the message that remembering those who died should inspire acts of service. 

The race is held each fall at the Wall Township Municipal Complex and welcomes supporters of all ages. This year, the race will be held Sunday, October 18th at 9 a.m., with the ceremony beginning at 8:30 a.m. To register and support the foundation, and find out more information, visit runwalkjerseyshore.t2t.org. For questions, email Jerseyshorerun@t2t.org.

As Kathy says, “We are making sure that all those who lost their lives are remembered not simply for how they died, but for how they lived.” 

Never Forget.