MY Sports Club Story: Danielle (2024)

MY Sports Club Story: Danielle

For our next MY Sports Club Story we’re featuring our inspiring Dobbs Ferry Club General Manager, Danielle. Danielle has been running in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Connecticut, Philadelphia, and NYC with her teenage son since 2017. Tunnel to Towers helps support and raise awareness for the many who sacrifice their lives every day and honors the memory of Stephen Siller, an off-duty New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on September 11, 2001, after strapping on his gear and running through the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (formerly known as the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel) to the Twin Towers to help. This year Danielle will be participating in our 9/11 Stair Climb and 5K event at the Dobbs Ferry Club in addition to running in the Tunnel to Towers official 5K in NYC on September 24th.

How long have you worked at NYSC + What is your role here?

I'm the General Manager of Dobbs Ferry. I started with the company in April 2023.

What is your favorite part about NYSC?

My team is my driving force and favorite part of my job. They help push daily to ensure that all of our members are happy and feel welcomed. Seeing my members come into the Club knowing they are there to change their lives and the fact that they chose us to help them along the way makes my day.

Do you have a favorite memory here?

I think this coming Monday's event will be my favorite memory, knowing that I work for a company that is bringing attention to and supporting an organization like Tunnel to Towers means so much, and being able to see our members there to support this as well is going to possibly bring tears to my eyes.

What has been your experience with Tunnel to Towers and why do you participate each year?

I have been supporting Tunnel to Towers for many years. I participate in the runs in NYC, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. While I did not personally lose anyone on that horrific day, the day has stuck with me since it happened. I remember everything about that day...where I was, what I was wearing, the anxiety I felt thinking about those people and not being able to imagine the fear they felt that morning. I remember being at my job walking into the middle of the street and being able to see the smoke in NYC from where I was in Westchester County. After hearing about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Stephen's story, I knew this was my way to help so many families through fundraising efforts for this amazing organization. In 2021, my son and I also participated in the 9/12 Reading of the 9/11 Illness Names for Tunnel to Towers. This was a way to remember those lost due to 9/11 related illnesses. It was such an emotional day and we were honored to be chosen to participate that day.

What would you tell someone considering signing up for the Tunnel to Towers Stair Climb or 5K?

I would tell anyone to read about what the Tunnel to Towers organization does to help so many families day in and day out. This is an organization that deserves as much attention and as much fundraising help as it can get. If anyone is considering signing up and they are unsure if they can complete a 5K or a stair climb...it's not about finishing...it's about trying and bringing attention to this foundation...and if anyone in my Club that day needs help finishing...I'll be there to help and support in any way I can. You'll find me at the treadmills and stair masters!

Want to join her in this year’s 9/11 Stair Climb and 5K? You can sign up at any NYSC location to participate! If you can’t make it you can always donate here.

Do you have a story about how our Club has helped improve life outside our Club? Submit your MY Sports Club Story here.