September 11 Survivors Process Trauma 25 Years Later

Survivors and first responders of the September 11 attacks continue to process trauma and grief 25 years after the event. Jamie Gigantiello, a chaplain for the New York City Fire Department, recalls providing spiritual support at a triage center and blessing the body of Father Mychal Judge at St. Peter's Church.

Other survivors describe varying paths to healing. Wendy Lanski, a former corporate executive who worked in the North Tower, found that traditional counseling was insufficient and instead seeks solace by sharing her story to educate others. Ken Corrigan, a volunteer firefighter who survived both the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the 2001 attacks, continues to face the loss of friends to cancers caused by debris removal efforts.

These enduring connections persist at gathering places like O’Hara’s Pub near Ground Zero, where survivors and first responders meet to support one another.