Golfing for heroes: A survivor's effort to honor 9/11 victims

Ed Norris, who lost nine firefighter friends in the 9/11 terror attacks, plans to play 911 holes to raise money for the families of fallen first responders

Ed Norris, a 58-year-old retired firefighter who was the first to respond to the collapse of the World Trade Center's South Tower, plans to walk and play 911 holes of golf to raise money for the families of fallen first responders. Norris lost nine close friends that day and walked home from Ground Zero to his home in Queens. He has since played 911 holes every year but stopped in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Norris's goal is to raise $1 million for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides financial assistance to the families of fallen first responders.

Norris has already raised over $500,000 and is hoping to reach his goal by the end of the year. Norris began his journey at the World Trade Center site on the 20th anniversary of the attacks and plans to finish at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023. Along the way, he will stop at firehouses and other significant locations to honor the victims. Norris's story is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of others. His efforts are a reminder that we must never forget the sacrifices made by our first responders.

Here is a list of some of the highlights of Norris's journey so far:

• Norris has walked and played over 500 holes of golf in the past two years.
• He has raised over $500,000 for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
• Norris's story has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN.

To learn more about Norris's journey or to donate to his cause, please visit his website: www.911holes.org.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to the families of fallen first responders. The foundation was founded in 2001 by Stephen Siller, a firefighter who lost his life on 9/11. Siller was a member of Squad 1 in the New York City Fire Department and was on his way to work when he learned of the attacks. He ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center, where he died while helping others to escape.

The foundation provides a variety of services to the families of fallen first responders, including financial assistance, counseling, and educational support. The foundation also provides grants to first responder organizations for training and equipment. To learn more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit their website: www.tunnel2towers.org.