Suffolk woman turns fitness into tribute for 9/11 victims
A Middle Island fitness coach honors her two uncles who died from 9/11-related illnesses by launching a fitness challenge to keep their memories alive and support first responders.
A Suffolk County woman is honoring two family members who lost their lives after responding to the Sept. 11 attacks by turning movement into a way to remember their sacrifice.
Alanna Johnson, a fitness coach from Middle Island, created the “Sweat for Sacrifice” challenge in memory of her uncles, Harry D’Onofrio and Timothy Goss.
D’Onofrio was an NYPD police officer from West Sayville, while Goss was an FDNY Marine firefighter from Wading River. Both responded to Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001.
“They were taking people out of the area at Ground Zero and transporting them and also supplying water,” Johnson said.
Both men later died from illnesses related to their exposure to the Sept. 11 attacks.
Johnson says she wanted to create a way for people to honor her uncles while also supporting first responders and their families.
Her challenge asks participants to complete 911 minutes of intentional movement during the month of September. That can include activities such as walking, running, biking or other forms of exercise.
“I thought of the idea to make a challenge with movement. 911 minutes for 9/11,” Johnson said.
Johnson says the challenge is about taking time to remember the people who made sacrifices on and after Sept. 11.
“We're able-bodied people. Taking time out of your day to dedicate to someone who you're moving for is just honorable,” she said.
The need to remember those sacrifices continues decades later.
According to the latest FDNY World Trade Center Health Program report, nearly 600 FDNY and EMS members have died from 9/11-related illnesses, while more than 12,000 FDNY members have at least one 9/11-related condition.
Johnson says she still thinks about what her uncles and other first responders experienced that day.
“I can't imagine what was going through their minds through that initial day and months later,” she said.
Money raised through the “Sweat for Sacrifice” challenge will benefit Tunnel to Towers and FDNY Transport.
To learn more or sign up, click here.
