September 11, 2001 was a tragic day. It was the day that 2,977 people were killed in a horrific terror attack on the World Trade Center. Every year the world stops for a few moments on September 11, to remember the souls that were lost on that day.
The Birth of Hope
Although over 2,900 souls were lost on that tragic day, over 13,000 others were born into the world. Hillary O’Niell is one of those 13,000 children born on September 11, 2001. “As I saw the pictures and videos on the screen, all I could do was think “How can I bring a baby into this world on such a day?” recalls Heather O’Neill, Hillary’s mother.
It has been difficult for Hillary and her family to celebrate her birthday since. They didn’t want to appear to be celebrating on what would be considered the saddest day in American history. The story is the same for other children in the country born on 9/11. However, with the help of www.MyGoodDeed.org, Hillary O’Niell and other children born on that day are transforming it into a day of hope and compassion.
Changing Perception
MyGoodDeed.org was founded by Jay Winuk and close friend David Paine in 2002 to honor the thousands of people that died on 9/11. Jay’s brother, Glenn Winuk, was one of the many who passed away on that day. Glenn, an attorney based in a building near the Twin Towers was also a volunteer E.M.S trained firefighter. When the buildings started burning, Glenn went to the scene to offer his assistance. His partial remains were recovered six months later amongst the rubble. He was wearing a stethoscope and surgical gloves.
“My brother died acting on his compassion for others,” says Winuk. “We didn’t want the terrorists responsible to define what September 11 ought to be for generations to come. We want people to remember that another story unfolded on that day. We want to remember the spirit of compassion and unity that was shown through the response by people on that day”
The pair, through their nonprofit, spearheaded the establishment of the National Day of Service and Remembrance in 2009. The organization encourages people around the country to do good deeds on this day in remembrance of the people who died on 9/11. In 2013, more than 47 million people around the country volunteered and many more are expected in the years to come.
