How would you like to start your Sunday by climbing 765 stairs? Paws for Purple Hearts said “Sign me up!” Our dogs showed their support for our Veterans and First Responders on April 30th at Tunnel to Towers’ Stair Climb Event in Charlotte, NC. Assistance Dog-In-Training, Jeanette; Ambassador Dog, Delta; National Client Manager, Casey; and Program Instructor, Mami climbed 43 floors in remembrance of the climb our first responders made at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

While a climb of that size seems daunting in itself, many first responder participants did the climb in full gear, as those responding to the attacks had done. Casey, who helps our clients through their application process, said a very moving part of the event was that participants were given badges of fallen firefighters to be worn during the climb.

After the climb, Casey joked how the dogs were still raring for more long after she was winded. “They had people in the stairwell to cheer you on and someone said ‘Aw the dogs’ tails are still wagging’ – they loved it!” After the climb, Delta, Jeanette, and Scotty (another PPH Ambassador dog who decided she would rather give her support at our table on the ground floor!) made their rounds congratulating the participants.

The Tunnels to Towers Foundation is a non-profit created in memory of Stepher Siller– one of the firefighters who lost his life while saving others on September 11, 2001. The organization’s name refers to the off-duty Siller strapping 60 pounds of gear to his back and racing on foot through the closed Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers to provide aid. The foundation aims to honor Stephen’s sacrifice by supporting military members, first responders, and their families who are in need. Money raised goes to provide mortgage free homes and specially adapted smart homes for disabled heroes. Paws for Purple Hearts attended this event to show support for this incredible nonprofit that also supports Veterans – A mission that is at the core of Paws For Purple Hearts..

Tunnels to Towers holds many events across the country such as this Tower Climb, concerts, golf tournaments, marathons and a mobile exhibit. Visit T2T.org to see how you can support this noble cause’s mission of giving back to our heroes, and follow the words Stephen Siller lived by “while we have time, let us do good.”