Benjamin Hall climbs One World Trade Center on prosthetics to honor fallen heroes at Tunnel to Towers

Benjamin Hall prepares to tackle one of New York City’s most demanding physical challenges this Sunday, climbing over 2,000 steps to the top of One World Trade Center on prosthetic legs. The journalist will make the grueling ascent alongside Dr. Joe Alderete, the military trauma surgeon who saved his life after a devastating attack in Ukraine left him critically wounded. Hall’s participation in the 10th annual Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb represents both a personal milestone and a tribute to fallen heroes whose families continue to bear the weight of their sacrifice.

The climb spans 104 stories and more than 2,000 steps, testing the limits of even the most physically fit participants. For Hall, who lost both legs to Russian missile strikes while covering the war in Ukraine, the challenge carries extraordinary significance. He expressed unwavering determination to complete the ascent, stating he would crawl to the top if necessary to demonstrate solidarity with Gold Star families and the families of fallen first responders who benefit from the foundation’s mission.

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Attack in Ukraine changed journalist’s life forever

In March 2022, Hall and his crew were traveling in a car outside Kyiv when Russian missiles struck their vehicle. The attack claimed the lives of photojournalist Pierre Zakrzewski and Ukrainian journalist Oleksandra Kuvshynova. Hall survived but faced a desperate fight for his life that ultimately required amputations of both legs. The injuries would have broken many people, but medical professionals who treated him immediately recognized something different in his response to the trauma.

Dr. Alderete recalled the moment he first assessed Hall’s condition after the attack. The surgeon noted a distinctive look in Hall’s eyes that signaled resilience and an unbreakable spirit. Working alongside Colonel Jennifer Gurney, another trauma surgeon, Alderete observed qualities in Hall that set him apart from other severely injured patients. The determination visible even in those darkest moments foreshadowed the remarkable recovery and renewed purpose that would follow.

Climbing to inspire others facing adversity

Hall views his participation in the tower climb as an opportunity to send a powerful message to anyone struggling through difficult circumstances. He believes that demonstrating his ability to conquer such a formidable physical challenge on prosthetic legs can inspire hope in others. The journalist emphasizes that injury or setback does not define a person’s capacity to continue moving forward and achieving new goals.

The symbolic nature of the climb extends beyond personal achievement. Hall repeatedly stresses that his own injuries pale in comparison to the ultimate sacrifice made by first responders and service members who never returned home to their families. The event raises funds specifically to support these families through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s programs, which provide mortgage-free homes to the loved ones of fallen heroes.

Foundation honors firefighter’s September 11 sacrifice

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was created in memory of Stephen Siller, an off-duty firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001. Siller’s decision to enter the Twin Towers to save others, knowing the mortal danger he faced, exemplifies the selfless courage the foundation seeks to honor. The annual tower climb commemorates the lives lost in the terrorist attacks and recognizes the ongoing sacrifices made by first responders and military personnel.

This year’s climb takes on added significance as it occurs just months before the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The milestone anniversary brings renewed focus to the lasting impact of that day and the continued need to support families who lost loved ones. The foundation’s work extends beyond commemoration, providing tangible assistance through housing programs that offer financial stability and security to Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders.

Over 1,000 participants join Sunday’s challenge

Hall and Dr. Alderete will be among 1,250 participants taking on the tower climb challenge. The large turnout reflects widespread support for the foundation’s mission and recognition of the sacrifices made by first responders and military members. Each participant’s effort contributes to fundraising goals that directly benefit families in need.

• The climb covers 104 stories of One World Trade Center in lower Manhattan.
• More than 2,000 steps separate ground level from the observation deck at the top.
• Funds raised provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders.
• The event honors victims and heroes of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
• The 25th anniversary of September 11 will be observed later this year.

The collective effort of over a thousand climbers demonstrates community commitment to supporting those who have given the most. Participants come from diverse backgrounds, united by shared respect for fallen heroes and determination to make a meaningful difference for surviving family members who continue to cope with profound loss.

Message of hope emerges from personal tragedy

Hall maintains perspective on his recovery by focusing on those who lost their lives rather than dwelling on his own injuries. He acknowledges the physical and emotional toll of his rehabilitation but finds purpose in honoring colleagues and others who did not survive their encounters with violence and conflict. His return to his family after the Ukraine attack represents an outcome denied to too many service members and first responders.

The journalist views his participation in fundraising and awareness efforts as a way to expand the support network for grieving families. He emphasizes that communities should embrace these families as part of a growing circle of care and commitment. By joining events like the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb, participants become active members of that extended family, sharing the burden and demonstrating that fallen heroes will not be forgotten.

Dr. Alderete’s presence alongside Hall during the climb represents the enduring bond between patient and healer. The surgeon’s initial assessment of Hall’s resilient spirit has been validated by the journalist’s remarkable recovery and renewed engagement with challenging endeavors. Together, they will ascend One World Trade Center, their partnership symbolizing the power of medical expertise combined with human determination to overcome even the most devastating circumstances.