A parent I knew reached out to me and said I should be the guest of honor at our local 9/11 heroes run because they were in need of someone personally affected. I laughed and said I would never do that! Went home to my husband, told him the story and he said he was going to take a look and see what TMF was all about. He came out of our office and his words struck me in such a way I knew I didn’t have a choice. He said, “their tag line is if not me then who…. if you’re not going to talk about how losing your brother and how 9/11 changed your life, then how do you expect anyone to remember them.” It stopped me in my tracks, that year I spoke at the 9/11 Charleston race and we have been involved ever since. I have been on our race board, survivor expeditions, SLP and run our local chapter with my husband. TMF has changed my life in such a profound way, I am a better wife, sister, mother and friend. They have taught me how to deal with my grief and not run from it. TMF has given me a community of people I know I can count on if I am struggling, need support, need empowering, feel inspired and know that I am not alone. The hope is that TMF grows to be recognized by everyone, that no veteran or family of the fallen feels alone or scared to ask for help.
