Episode 75: Kim De Lorenzo

Three years ago, Kim De Lorenzo attended her first local 5K Run & Walk for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Southwest Houston. As a New York native who moved to Cypress 11 years ago, the foundation’s mission strikes a chord with De Lorenzo. “I come from a family of service and from a family who has had first-hand experience with 9/11, the tragedy and everything that came along with it,” De Lorenzo said.The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established in memory of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who sacrificed his life during the September 11 attacks. The name pays tribute to his bravery: after hearing about a plane hitting the North Tower, he drove to the former Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel toward Manhattan only to find it closed. Determined to help save others, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers.Siller’s story resonates with De Lorenzo, and many others who were affected by 9/11. De Lorenzo said she lost several friends on the morning of September 11, 2001. Her mother, who was a survivor in the collapse of the South Tower, passed away from a 9/11-related illness four years ago. “Around 9/11, for some of us, it’s extremely devastating,” De Lorenzo said.As one of the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11, Siller left behind a family, including a wife and five children. Formed by his family, Tunnel to Towers aims to pay off the mortgages or provide mortgage-free homes to fallen service members who left behind surviving spouses and young children. It also provides programs and resources for homeless veterans and injured first responders and veterans.After attending the 5K, De Lorenzo knew she wanted to be a part of the mission to serve first responders, law enforcement, military personnel, and their families. But most of all, help others to never forget the tragedy of 9/11.