Steve Maclin and Deonna Purrazzo look to honor 9/11 victims and veterans.
On June 1, Tunnel to Towers Foundation will host the 2025 Tower Climb NYC, allowing people to climb all 104 stories of the One World Trade Center in New York City.
Debuting back in 2015, this climb is championed as a way to honor victims and veterans of the September 11 terrorist attacks. This year, Deonna Purazzo and Steve Maclin will participate in the climb.
Speaking with Jon Alba of Sports Illustrated, Purrazzo talked about her dedication to veteran advocacy.
“Veteran advocacy was one of the things that's top of my list. And so, just kind of knowing and dealing with a lot of the things that we deal with in terms of access to healthcare. It really always spoke to me in terms of like, this community is so underserved, and it's kind of frowned upon to support them in this day and age. And so as my platform has grown throughout my career, it was almost a perfect time when his partnership was presented to us to say, you know, I feel comfortable standing up for this.”
Speaking on his admiration for first responders, Maclin told Sports Illustrated, "They're the ones that are running in. And it's very similar to my time in the Marine Corps. Anytime something bad was to happen, I've always been the person to go find out what's going on, and try to help in any way I can. That to me is the ultimate test of what a hero is. I think in my mind, in my eyes, and the way I see it is, is a person that just selflessly and without any thought process or anything, instantly runs to the aid of others. And, I think that's what we're celebrating and also honoring.”
As many fans will know, Maclin served in the United States Marine Corps before joining the world of wrestling, serving the branch from 2007 to 2011.
Fans can support Maclin and Purrazzo's upcoming climb by donating to their fundraiser at this link.
Furthermore, check out Maclin's recent interview with Fightful by clicking here.
