NEW YORK (WPIX) — Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York, there have been many organizations that have provided moral and financial support to families of loved ones lost on that tragic day.
Twenty-four years later, one group, Answer the Call, also known as the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, continues to provide benefits to families of more than 400 first responders killed in the line of duty that day.
Elise Guadalupe, who lost her firefighter husband, is a grateful recipient of the organization’s support.
“They have supported me financially, emotionally and taken some of the burden of everyday life away so I could focus on healing,” she said.
Guadalupe was married for seven years when she lost her husband, Jose, whom she affectionately called Tony. He was 37 years old, assigned to Engine Company 54.
Reflecting on that day, she remembered, “His shift ended that morning. He was on the way back home and heard the first plane hit. He turned around and went back.”
More than two decades have passed since that infamous day.
“It feels like a very long time, but also just like yesterday. It’s always present but doesn’t stop me from living,” she declared.
Answer the Call has helped life continue for the survivors of fallen heroes since it was founded 40 years ago.
Joseph Gorman, an Operations Associate at Answer The Call, explained, “Since the organization’s inception, we have contributed over $180 million to over 1,000 families. Since 9/11, we have given $175 million. We still serve over 500 families, 270 from 9/11.”
At the outset, each family is gifted $50,000 and receives a stipend of $11,000 each following year.
Elise Guadalupe said she was never forgotten. “For me personally, in those very uncertain times, they were there not only financially, but emotionally.”
Answer the Call is a nonprofit that relies on public donations for support.
According to Joe Gorman, “The funds come from individual donations, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic support. We have an annual gala to raise funds for our families. Each year, we host Family Day at Citi Field. We bring together our families for a day at the ball park and we host a summer block party in downtown Manhattan.”
Elise Guadalupe carries a remembrance of her husband with her every day.
“This is a replica of his badge and it means everything to me,” she explained, as she held the gold pin around her neck. “I keep it close to my heart. It’s a way of keeping him close to me even after all these years.”
Guadalupe is pensive and reflective as she walks along the 9/11 memorial wall. She thinks of the son she adopted five years after 9/11. He bears the same name she called her husband: Tony.
“I always considered him a gift from heaven,” She said and added, “It’s something we always planned to do but ran out of time.”
Warmth fills the air and her heart as Elise runs her hands over the etched-out name of her firefighter hero on the memorial.
“When I run my fingers over his name, it takes me back to that very first time he looked at me and the butterflies spin all over the place.”
Gaudalupe said on 9/11 this year she will do what she does every year— sit on her terrace and look out at what she still calls Freedom Tower, meditate over a cup of coffee, look up and have a little chat with Tony and give thanks that life goes on.