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Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb New York City

Sun June 1, 2025 New York, NY 10007 US Directions
Fundraiser

Keith Palmer
Climbing 104 for the 343

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$7,557

Raised of $6,500

$0
$6,500

Story

Why I’m Climbing

I’m climbing in memory of my dad, FDNY Battalion Chief Orio Palmer of Battalion 7, who gave everything on 9/11—and for my mom, Debbie Palmer, who carried our family with strength and love in the years after, before we lost her to complications from cancer treatment in 2021.

This climb is a tribute to them—and to all the lives lost on 9/11/01. It’s also a way to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which continues to make a real difference for families in need. Every step is for them.

Orio’s Story

On September 11th, Orio used his prior experience as an elevator technician to help operate a freight elevator in the South Tower of the World Trade Center, allowing him and the firemen of Ladder 15 to reach the 40th floor and take injured, evacuating civilians back down. From there, he raced up the stairwell 37 stories on foot, reaching the impact zone where United Airlines 175 had struck the building on the 78th floor. 

Orio and the members of Ladder 15 transmitted radio messages describing the conditions and coordinated efforts to rescue civilians and fight the fire—actions that would prove to be among their last.

These radio transmissions, declassified in 2005, revealed the remarkable composure and heroism of Palmer and his team in the final minutes before the South Tower collapsed.

Since then, Orio’s bravery has been honored as an extraordinary example of courage and selflessness. His story has been featured in several documentaries, including 9/11 Phone Calls from the Towers.

Team Orio is climbing to honor that final journey—symbolizing the ascent that Orio and so many members of the FDNY made on that tragic day.

About the Event

Each year since 2015, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has held the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb NYC at One World Observatory at One World Trade Center in New York City. One thousand 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.

Recognitions

$150
$250

Top Donors

$7,557 Raised By 91 Donors

$500 on behalf of Barbara and Billy Hayes
$200 on behalf of Alyssa Palmer
$200 on behalf of James McGovern
$200 on behalf of Lori Dinneny
$150 on behalf of James Fedigan
$150 on behalf of Keith Palmer
$150 on behalf of Matt and Julie costanzo
$143 on behalf of ROGER & MARY PALMER-MURPHY
$109 on behalf of MARY PALMER-MURPHY
$100 on behalf of Allyson Chase
$100 on behalf of Amy Gardner
$100 on behalf of Austin Jones
$100 on behalf of Chelsea Starna-Mangual
$100 on behalf of Danielle DiMarino
$100 on behalf of David Finn
$100 on behalf of Diane Dalessandro
$100 on behalf of Erica Murphy
$100 on behalf of Evan Murphy
$100 on behalf of Harriet and David Palmer
$100 on behalf of Jennifer Haddow
$100 on behalf of Jimmy Trione
$100 on behalf of Joan Murray
$100 on behalf of John Coleman
$100 on behalf of Keithe Bennett
$100 from Anonymous
$100 on behalf of Laura McCaffrey
$100 on behalf of Laura Screnci
$100 on behalf of Lauren Futterman
$100 on behalf of Mary Levy
$100 on behalf of Matthew Hayes
$100 on behalf of Michael Fedigan
$100 on behalf of Mike Palmer
$100 on behalf of Miso Portillo
$100 on behalf of Randi Ray
$100 on behalf of Sean Tuffy
$100 on behalf of Shawn Runfola
$100 on behalf of Stephen Murphy
$100 on behalf of Suzanne Palmer
$100 on behalf of Tara Kelly
$100 on behalf of The McAteers
$100 on behalf of The Ryan Family
$100 on behalf of Theresa Giammona
$100 from Anonymous
$100 on behalf of Vinny Corrado
$100 on behalf of Walter McAteer
$100 on behalf of William Hayes
$75 on behalf of Jacqueline Bascetta
$75 on behalf of Jason Gloye
$50 on behalf of Ally Cropsey
$50 on behalf of Amanda Fedigan
$50 on behalf of Ashley Starna
$50 on behalf of Casey Runfola
$50 on behalf of Chantal Murray
$50 on behalf of Charlie Verni
$50 on behalf of Chris Murphy
$50 on behalf of Irene Costanzo
$50 on behalf of Jacquelyn Sullivan
$50 on behalf of Jamie Leach
$50 on behalf of Joseph Runfola
$50 on behalf of Karen Redmond
$50 on behalf of Kate Germano
$50 on behalf of Katherine Unknown
$50 on behalf of Keith Palmer
$50 on behalf of Kyle Runfola
$50 on behalf of Leah Brown
$50 on behalf of Lou Spadaro
$50 on behalf of Lynn Matarazzo
$50 on behalf of Nick Mancini
$50 on behalf of Pam Fedigan
$50 on behalf of Robert Doyle
$50 on behalf of Stephanie Riccio
$50 on behalf of Susan and Marty Huben
$50 on behalf of Susan Deery
$50 on behalf of Tara Mcbride
$50 on behalf of Tara Miller
$50 on behalf of Taylor Hayes
$50 on behalf of Tessa Doyle
$50 on behalf of Tommy Schehr
$50 on behalf of Vic Chatfield
$50 on behalf of Virginia DeQuatro
$40 on behalf of Jesse Ott
$40 on behalf of Michelle Bardin
$30 on behalf of Carly Reardon
$30 on behalf of Cayla Jordan
$25 on behalf of Anne Flynn
$25 on behalf of Barbara Halecki
$25 on behalf of Katie Ice
$25 on behalf of Maria Spitalnick
$25 on behalf of Michael Lamothe
$20 on behalf of Barbara Peterson
$20 on behalf of Danielle Godley

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