Skip to main content

Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb New York City

Sun June 7, 2026
New York, NY 10007 US Directions
Team Fundraiser

T2T YPN Honoring FDNY Battalion Chief Orio Palmer
Remember as always, live while you’re alive

Fundraiser Login
Current Team Members:
49
Join

$24,237

Raised of $25,000

Story

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation Young Professionals Network is honored to dedicate our participation in the 2026 Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb NYC to the memory of FDNY Battalion Chief Orio Palmer.

On September 11, 2001, Chief Palmer demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of unimaginable danger. Drawing on his prior experience as an elevator technician, he helped operate a freight elevator in the South Tower of the World Trade Center, allowing members of Ladder 15 to reach the 40th floor and assist injured civilians evacuating the building. From there, Chief Palmer climbed an additional 37 flights of stairs on foot, reaching the impact zone where United Airlines Flight 175 struck the tower.

Alongside his fellow firefighters, Chief Palmer transmitted critical radio messages describing conditions near the impact zone and coordinating rescue efforts. His calm leadership and unwavering commitment to saving others in the tower’s final moments stand as a lasting testament to the courage and sacrifice of the FDNY on that tragic day. These transmissions, later declassified, revealed the remarkable bravery and composure displayed by Chief Palmer and his team as they continued their mission to help others.

Chief Palmer was known not only for his leadership in the firehouse, but also for his dedication to physical fitness and endurance. Within the FDNY, his reputation for physical prowess has become legendary – he became the first member of the department to earn the FDNY’s elite Physical Fitness Award five times. A marathon runner who embodied the strength and perseverance required of those who serve others. That commitment to fitness reflects the spirit of the Tower Climb itself — a demanding physical challenge undertaken with purpose and intention.

The Tunnel to Towers Young Professionals Network climbs in honor of Chief Palmer’s ascent — symbolizing both the physical journey he made that day and the enduring strength of those who continue to carry his legacy forward. Each step represents remembrance, gratitude, and a shared commitment to ensuring that the legacy of our nation’s heroes is never forgotten.

The NYC Tower Climb is more than a physical challenge; it is a tribute to those who answered the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. Through our participation, we aim to honor Chief Palmer’s life and sacrifice while raising funds to support the Foundation’s promise to provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families, families of fallen first responders, and catastrophically injured service members.

Chief Palmer is remembered not only for his bravery on September 11th, but for his dedication to his family, his fellow firefighters, and the city he served. His courage, discipline, and commitment to service continue to inspire generations to live with purpose.

We climb so that his story — and the stories of all who sacrificed on September 11th — will never be forgotten.

About T2T:

Since 2015, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Tower Climb NYC has been held at One World Observatory, One World Trade Center in New York City. 1,250 participants climb 104 stories, symbolizing strength, hope, and the resiliency of the American spirit.

The event celebrates the life and sacrifice of all 9/11 heroes, including FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller and FDNY Captain Billy Burke.

On September 11, 2001, Stephen Siller, a FDNY firefighter assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers. He suddenly got word over his scanner that an airplane had hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Stephen drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers. There, he gave up his life while saving others.

Captain William F. Burke, Jr. and his men were on the 27th floor of the North Tower when the South Tower collapsed. Billy immediately alerted the Captain of Ladder Co. 6 and the Officer of Ladder Co. 24, his original company, of the collapse. They, along with their men, immediately evacuated along with a number of civilians they were assisting, and survived. Minutes later, the North Tower collapsed, and Billy perished along with the other innocents on September 11, 2001. He selflessly repeated, “Keep going, I’m right behind you,” to keep his men moving to safety.

The view from One World Observatory at the top of One World Trade Center is nothing short of spectacular. After making the emotional climb, participants can explore expansive, panoramic views in every direction, including the two reflecting pools that mark the footprints of where the Twin Towers once stood.

Top Donors

$24,237 Raised By 229 Donors

$500 from Anonymous
$500 on behalf of Walter McAteer
$350 from Anonymous
$350 from Anonymous
$350 from Anonymous
$350 from Anonymous
$350 from Anonymous
$350 on behalf of Jeanne O’Grady
$350 on behalf of Jeanne O’Grady
$350 from Anonymous
$350 on behalf of Tiana-Marie Santore
$343 on behalf of Sue, Robert, & Laurie Palmer
$300 on behalf of Amy Wen
$300 on behalf of Michael Sanzen
$255 on behalf of Christina Gibbons
$250 from Anonymous
$250 on behalf of Agnes McCaffrey
$250 on behalf of Denis and Patricia Quinn
$250 on behalf of Denis and Patricia Quinn
$250 from Anonymous
$250 on behalf of Jeanne OGrady
$250 on behalf of Jeanne OGrady
$250 on behalf of Jeannette Weismantel
$250 on behalf of John Brodsky
$250 on behalf of Keith Palmer
$250 on behalf of Mark Casale
$250 from Anonymous
$250 on behalf of Roger Murphy
$250 on behalf of William Michaud
$225 on behalf of Team Bayonne Police & Fire
$225 on behalf of Team Bayonne Police & Fire
$225 on behalf of Team Bayonne Police & Fire
$225 on behalf of Team Bayonne Police & Fire
$225 on behalf of Team Bayonne Police & Fire
$225 on behalf of Team Bayonne Police & Fire
$220 on behalf of Alpha Diallo
$200 from Anonymous
$200 on behalf of James Perrone
$200 on behalf of Shaquille Upshaw
$200 on behalf of Theresa Giammona
$155 on behalf of Jean Englert
$150 on behalf of Allison Fedigan
$150 on behalf of Kelly Petersen
$150 on behalf of Kelly Petersen
$150 from Anonymous
$150 from Anonymous
$150 on behalf of Suzanne Michaud-Diddel
$125 from Anonymous
$125 from Anonymous
$125 on behalf of marie ward
$100 on behalf of All those Lost
$100 on behalf of Allyson Chase
$100 on behalf of Ashley McLain
$100 on behalf of Barbara McLoughlin
$100 on behalf of Bradley Walls
$100 on behalf of Britney Swedelson
$100 on behalf of Chris Emery
$100 on behalf of Christopher Nolan
$100 On Behalf Of Colgate - Palmolive via Benevity
$100 on behalf of Courtney Goss
$100 on behalf of Dana Runfola
$100 on behalf of Debbi and Tony Comparin
$100 on behalf of Debra Cook
$100 on behalf of Dominick Memoli
$100 on behalf of Erin O’Grady
$100 on behalf of Frank Kurre
$100 on behalf of Gale pearl
$100 on behalf of J.C. Schmeil
$100 on behalf of Jason Gloye
$100 on behalf of Javier Beiro
$100 on behalf of Jeanne OGrady
$100 on behalf of Jeanne OGrady
$100 on behalf of Jeanne OGrady
$100 on behalf of Jeanne OGrady
$100 on behalf of Jeanne OGrady
$100 on behalf of Jill and Dave Kaplan
$100 on behalf of John and joanne Comparin
$100 on behalf of Karen and Brian Stoohs
$100 on behalf of Kathleen Devine
$100 on behalf of Keithe Bennett
$100 on behalf of Kim and Bob Custer
$100 on behalf of Kristine Loucopoulos
$100 on behalf of Leah Keller
$100 on behalf of Lynn Matarazzo
$100 on behalf of Mairead Manning
$100 on behalf of mairead manning
$100 on behalf of Mary Holland
$100 on behalf of Mary Levy
$100 on behalf of Matt & Ashley Tranquellino
$100 on behalf of Matt and Julie Costanzo
$100 on behalf of Matt Harrison
$100 on behalf of megan manning
$100 on behalf of megan manning
$100 on behalf of megan manning
$100 on behalf of megan manning
$100 on behalf of megan manning
$100 on behalf of megan manning
$100 on behalf of megan manning
$100 on behalf of Michael Devine
$100 from Anonymous
$100 on behalf of Mike Larson
$100 on behalf of Mimi & Dewey
$100 on behalf of Nicole Kantanas
$100 on behalf of Olivia Krasucki
$100 on behalf of Patrick Dwyer
$100 on behalf of Penny Wolfe
$100 on behalf of Peter Schroeter
$100 on behalf of Ramona Sitton
$100 on behalf of Robert Doyle
$100 from Anonymous
$100 on behalf of Ryan Petersen
$100 on behalf of Ryan Quinn
$100 on behalf of Shawn Runfola
$100 on behalf of Stephen Murphy
$100 on behalf of Tierney Minte
$100 on behalf of Tom Stevenson
$100 on behalf of Trinity Manning
$100 on behalf of Vincent McAteer
$100 on behalf of Vinny Corrado
$100 on behalf of Zachary Silvestri
$75 on behalf of Matthew Holler
$70 on behalf of Dana Carey
$60 on behalf of Abby Harriman
$60 on behalf of Alessandra Rodriguez
$60 on behalf of Andrea Nakis
$60 on behalf of Artjola Huli
$60 on behalf of Emilie Warnet
$60 on behalf of Isabella Devine
$60 on behalf of Katelyn Kantanas
$60 on behalf of Laura Carey
$60 from Anonymous
$60 on behalf of Meaghan Kenny
$60 on behalf of Megan Bollerman
$60 on behalf of Olivia Warnet
$60 on behalf of Samantha Pecoraro
$60 on behalf of Shaylyn Husslein
$60 on behalf of Sophia Palughi
$60 from Anonymous
$60 on behalf of Vasilia Loucopoulos
$60 on behalf of VICTORIA KANTANAS
$50 from Anonymous
$50 on behalf of Cashen Beam
$50 on behalf of Cynthia Comparin
$50 on behalf of Cynthia Spatola
$50 on behalf of Cynthia Harty
$50 on behalf of Daniel Goetze
$50 on behalf of Daniel Casale
$50 on behalf of Danielle & Steve Koutsodontis
$50 on behalf of Danny Moriarty
$50 on behalf of Dariusz Mikolajczak
$50 on behalf of Fran Elia
$50 on behalf of Holly Figueroa
$50 on behalf of Jennifer and Chris Schmeil
$50 on behalf of Jessica Wicker
$50 on behalf of Joe and Mac
$50 on behalf of Joe Beck
$50 on behalf of Joey Loyer
$50 on behalf of Joseph Hamilton
$50 on behalf of JOSEPH SKLAR
$50 on behalf of Judy Callanan
$50 on behalf of Justin, Adee, Eli, & Sydnee Beam
$50 on behalf of Kathy Pash
$50 on behalf of Laurie Sarro
$50 on behalf of Lee Ann Devine
$50 on behalf of Lisa Macera
$50 on behalf of Loretta Devine
$50 on behalf of Maria Toledo
$50 on behalf of Mario Simione
$50 on behalf of Me Unknown
$50 on behalf of Michael Cuzzi
$50 on behalf of Nick Mancini
$50 on behalf of Nicole Royce
$50 from Anonymous
$50 on behalf of Ray Bartolomeo
$50 on behalf of Saffron Vadher
$50 on behalf of Soo Lee
$50 on behalf of Stephani Kantanas
$50 on behalf of Stephen Wheeler
$50 from Anonymous
$50 on behalf of Tess Segal
$50 on behalf of Thomas Schehr
$50 on behalf of Tom Devine
$50 on behalf of Trinity Manning
$50 on behalf of Val Wilkens
$50 on behalf of Vincent Sarro
$50 on behalf of Wesley Hackemer
$42 on behalf of Deb Burns
$40 on behalf of Jennifer Steverson
$40 on behalf of Jessica Schiavone
$40 on behalf of Nicole Katz
$40 from Anonymous
$30 from Anonymous
$30 on behalf of Ryan Williams
$25 from Anonymous
$25 on behalf of Beckett Schmeil
$25 on behalf of Bridget Blake
$25 on behalf of Caroline Evnin
$25 on behalf of Christopher Job
$25 on behalf of Daniel Garcia
$25 on behalf of Frank Castelli
$25 from Anonymous
$25 on behalf of Joey Bunin
$25 on behalf of Joey Bunin
$25 on behalf of Kathleen Downey Jaffe
$25 on behalf of Loretta "Mima" Devine
$25 on behalf of Maria Havrilla
$25 from Anonymous
$25 from Anonymous
$25 on behalf of Molly Perrotta
$25 on behalf of stef makhoul
$25 on behalf of Stephanie Cannon
$25 on behalf of Steven Santimauro
$25 on behalf of Tara Mcbride
$22 on behalf of Kate McNamara
$20 on behalf of Brianna Campbell
$20 on behalf of Corey Jones
$20 on behalf of David Roush
$20 On Behalf Of General Donation
$20 on behalf of Jeff Torreda
$20 on behalf of Marshall Nelson
$20 on behalf of MaryAnn Comparin Jones
$20 on behalf of Megan Roma
$20 on behalf of Michael Becker
$20 on behalf of Nick Ungaro
$20 on behalf of Peter Corrigan
$20 on behalf of Shannon Kelley
$20 from Anonymous
$10 on behalf of Bessy Barrientos
$10 from Anonymous

T2T YPN Honoring FDNY Battalion Chief Orio Palmer Team Members

(49)

Select a team member to donate to:

If you continue to use this site, you consent to use all cookies. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Read how we use cookies and how you can control them by visiting our Privacy Policy.

If you continue to use this site, you consent to use all cookies.