9/11 Stories: Susan Giacchi

Susan Giacchi lived in New Jersey but worked as an office manager near The World Trade Center on Broad Street. After arriving at her office, she got a call from her receptionist saying one of the towers had been hit by a plane. Susan was still in her office on the 12thfloor when the second tower was hit, and made the decision that it was best for everyone to leave the building. Once downstairs, Susan learned the executives at her company wanted everyone sent back upstairs, surmising it was safer inside than outside. No one knew what to do. Someone in the building thought to shut off the air conditioning to prevent the dust of the collapsed tower from getting inside the building. Outside, some men were ripping off their shirt sleeves, handing them out so people could cover their mouths and noses. Leaving and walking toward the Brooklyn Bridge with 5 other women from her office, Giacchi watched the second tower fall. She tried to keep everyone calm, telling them to continue heading toward The Brooklyn Bridge, her plan to get them all to safety with her sister, who lived in Bensonhurst . She says she never felt more vulnerable than the walk across the bridge. 13 years after 9/11, Giacchi was diagnosed with skin cancer, the most prevalent 9/11 cancer. With 68 cancers tied to the toxic dust, no matter her family history, her cancer was PRESUMED caused by the toxins, entitling Susan to free lifetime health care and compensation from The Victim Compensation Fund. Her exposure was miniscule in comparison to responders who worked months in the recovery effort at Ground Zero.
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[@amandac7270]

How many of us have a boss that would have done that same thing!? Nope works not over get back to your desk 😭

[@butterpecan1938]

Lots of them would. To this day still.

[@mikimauski]

I have to pop in here to say you are smarter/wiser than the average person! Thank you for all you did for everyone that day. You are a true leader to rise to the occasion and do things like the example you shared of not telling them the building fell to not have more panic💪

[@amandac7270]

Susan I’m so proud of you. You really are a strong woman. God bless you always.

[@LadyPercy.]

Thank you Susan for retelling your experience. Many people around the world were watching and praying for you all. I still pray for the people who took part in the recovery efforts and are now paying with their health. 🇬🇧🙏🇺🇸💕💕

[@TattedIrishxxx]

*Were watching. Not “was watching “.

[@LadyPercy.]

@@TattedIrishxxx Point taken. Typo edited but the love, prayers and admiration for all involved with 9/11 remains. It prompted me to fly from the UK to New York for the 6 month anniversary. At ground zero we saw the recovery and clearance still in action. We visited and spoke to Firemen and policemen throughout our stay and will never forget the experience. God Bless all survivors and witnesses 🇬🇧♥️🇺🇸

[@zitiden4745]

​@@TattedIrishxxxfeel better? God forbid you didn't make that correction. The audacity...🙄

[@Lucy0809]

Thankyou for sharing your story, sending you love 💗 from me and my cats in uk 🇬🇧 xxx

[@mlh209]

Thank you for your story.

[@susangiacchi6925]

Thank you so much for watching. :-)

[@linedancer23]

Thank you Susan for sharing your story. So glad you and your co workers were ok. We will never forget!♥️