Gro-Win Through Pain: A Cross-Country Journey for the 25th Anniversary of 9/11

My name is Craig Sotkovsky.

Twenty-five years ago, I answered a call for help.

In the days following September 11, 2001, I worked at Ground Zero during two of the first five days after the collapse of the World Trade Center. Like many responders, recovery workers, and volunteers who were there, I believed I was simply helping my fellow Americans during one of the darkest moments in our nation's history.

I never imagined that decision would follow me for the rest of my life.

Years later, I was diagnosed with 9/11-related lung cancer.

Cancer changed everything.

It changed the way I viewed time.

It changed the way I viewed purpose.

It changed the way I viewed adversity.

Most importantly, it taught me that pain does not have to be the end of the story.

Growth can come from pain.

That belief became the foundation for what I now call Gro-Win Through Pain.

As the 25th anniversary of September 11 approaches, I am preparing to travel across America in an RV to honor those who lost their lives, recognize the responders and volunteers who continue to live with the consequences of that day, and share stories of resilience, perseverance, and hope.

The goal is simple.

Listen.

Learn.

Share stories.

Build connections.

And remind people that "Never Forget" is more than a phrase.

It is a promise.

Recently, my story and mission were featured by VoyageATL, where I shared my journey from entrepreneur and Ground Zero responder to cancer survivor, author, speaker, and advocate for resilience. The feature highlighted the message that has guided me through every challenge: adversity does not have to define us, but it can help shape who we become.

I was also invited to share my story on Law Enforcement Talk Radio with host John Jay Wiley, helping bring awareness to the long-term impact of September 11 on responders, recovery workers, survivors, and volunteers. Opportunities like these reinforce the importance of preserving these stories and ensuring that future generations understand both the sacrifices made and the lives forever changed by that day.

Recently, a study involving more than 28,000 responders found that members of the World Trade Center Health Program experienced lower mortality rates and improved long-term health outcomes.

The findings reinforce something many of us already know:

Access to care matters.

As a 9/11-related cancer survivor, this reality hits close to home.

My own journey has shown me that the effects of September 11 did not end when the debris was cleared. For many responders, recovery workers, survivors, and volunteers, the impact continues decades later.

That is one of the reasons this mission has become so important to me.

Along this journey, I will meet first responders, veterans, cancer survivors, community leaders, and everyday Americans who have faced extraordinary challenges and found a way to keep moving forward.

Their stories deserve to be heard.

Their sacrifices deserve to be remembered.

And their resilience deserves to be celebrated.

The journey will begin in late July 2026 and travel across the southern United States to California before heading back across the country toward New York City, with the goal of arriving in New York for the 25th anniversary of September 11.

Every mile traveled will be dedicated to preserving stories that might otherwise be lost.

This project will be documented so future generations can hear directly from the people whose lives were forever changed by tragedy, service, illness, sacrifice, and perseverance.

This is not simply a road trip.

It is a living tribute.

A rolling conversation about courage, service, recovery, and hope.

A mission dedicated to ensuring that the voices of those affected by September 11 continue to be heard long after the headlines have faded.

Funds raised will help cover:

• RV travel and maintenance

• Fuel throughout the national route

• Lodging and travel expenses when necessary

• Filming equipment and content creation

• Documentary production and editing

• Insurance and travel logistics

• Community outreach and event materials

• The operational expenses required to complete the journey

This is not a corporate campaign.

It is a people-powered mission.

If you believe in honoring service, preserving stories, supporting resilience, and keeping the promise of Never Forget alive, I would be honored to have your support.

Whether you donate, share this campaign, connect me with organizations along the route, or simply help spread the message, you become part of this journey.

Together, we can ensure that these stories are preserved, these sacrifices are remembered, and the lessons of resilience continue to inspire future generations.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Thank you for believing in the mission.

And thank you for helping ensure that these stories are never forgotten.

Craig Sotkovsky

9/11 Ground Zero Responder

9/11-Related Lung Cancer Survivor

Author of Everybody Pays a Vig

Featured in VoyageATL

Guest, Law Enforcement Talk Radio

If this message resonates with you, I am grateful for your support, whether through a kind donation or simply sharing!