CHICAGO — Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is celebrating first responders and military veterans this weekend with its inaugural Chicago tower climb.
The Tunnel to Towers Run, Walk & Climb Series is a nationwide event series organized by the foundation to honor the legacy of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who sacrificed his life on September 11, 2001.
Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines
Siller had just gotten off work when he heard news of the attacks; he then drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back, and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.
The foundation now honors Siller's legacy with programs that support the nation's injured veterans, first responders, and families of fallen heroes.
On Saturday, the foundation hosted its inaugural Chicago tower climb at 150 North Riverside Plaza in the West Loop.
LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland
Following an opening ceremony, the climb got underway at 8:30 a.m. as participants made their way up 50 flights of stairs to the top of the tower.
The fundraiser proved to be a massive success. The original goal was to raise $30,000, and as of 9 a.m. Saturday, $44,000 had already been raised.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.