Beyond the Dust: A Personal 9/11 Tour of Survival

Christina Stanton leads deeply personal tours of the World Trade Center site, recounting her firsthand experience of the 9/11 attacks. Her tour begins by highlighting the Burger King on Liberty Street, commandeered by the NYPD as temporary headquarters during the chaos.

From her former apartment on West Street, Stanton details the terrifying moments the first plane struck, shaking her building and allowing her to witness the unfolding horror. She describes the escalating dread as the second plane flew overhead, nearly hitting her building.

Evacuating in pajamas and barefoot, Stanton and her husband, Brian, fled their apartment with their dog. They navigated streets filled with falling debris before finding themselves at the harbor. Amidst the chaos, they were evacuated via a ferry as part of a massive maritime rescue effort.

Covered in dust and disoriented, they reached New Jersey and sought refuge. Later, Stanton realized the toxic ash she inhaled during the attacks led to significant health issues, including cancer, diagnosed in the years following 9/11.

Despite her personal struggles and the pain of reliving the trauma, Stanton continues her tours. She aims to educate new generations about the boat rescue and the enduring health consequences linked to the 9/11 attacks, viewing herself as a living memorial.