Suffolk woman turns fitness into tribute for 9/11 victims

A Suffolk woman is honoring two family members who died after answering the call on 9-11. And as Usal Jeremy Skiba shows us, she is using fitness to keep their memory alive, while also raising money to support first responders and their families. I really miss my uncles. They were, you know, both amazing family members. Alina Johnson's uncles both answered the call on September 11, 2001. Her uncle Harry D'Onofrio was an NYPD police officer from West Sayville. Her other uncle, Timothy Goss, was a FDNY Marine firefighter from Wading River. So they were, you know, taking people out of the area in Ground Zero and transporting them and then also supplying water. Both men died from 9-11 related illnesses. Johnson, a fitness coach, created the Sweat for Sacrifice Challenge to honor them. I thought of the idea to make a challenge with movement and then I figured 911 minutes for 9-11. The goal is simple. Complete 911 minutes of intentional movement during the month of September. That can be running, walking, biking, or something else. We're able-bodied people and, you know, taking the time out of your day to dedicate someone you're moving for is just to be honorable. And the need to remember goes well beyond September 11. According to the latest FDNY Health Program report, nearly 600 FDNY and EMS members have died from 9-11 related illnesses. More than 12,000 FDNY members have at least one 9-11 related health condition. I can't imagine what was going through their minds, you know, through that initial day and months later. For the rest of September, every minute is a chance to honor those who gave so much and help the first responders still living with the consequences of that day. Jeremy Skiba, News 12. And money raised through the challenge will go to Tunnel to Towers and FDNY Transport. So for more information about how to sign up or donate, visit our website news12.com.