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A Message from the President
After 9/11, the vast majority of people seeking help, including children, experienced some degree of PTSD. Research from a 2003 study indicates that a large number of children also developed "psychiatric disorders, severe physiological stress and functional impairment." There is also evidence that PTSD causes biological changes in the brain chemistry of children and adolescents, along with altering their level of stress hormones. These changes affect children at important stages in their lives. Many TTOF children appear to be getting better, only to discover as they enter puberty and high school or step into the world and go to college, they begin experiencing difficulties again. Even very young children, who did not experience problems at first, begin to struggle as they become more aware of the world around them.
As one can imagine, none of these children were left with a "tangible goodbye". Their parent went to work and didn't come home. It's difficult for any child to experience the loss of a parent - but add to the mix elements of national shock, fear, anger and disbelief at the public murder of so many innocents, non-stop media coverage forcing the child to relive their parent's death over and over, the country pulling at them, watching them, putting them under a spotlight (and then abruptly turning it off) - and there are many more issues to learn to cope with and understand in order to get past the grief and move on with life. This inevitably becomes a long-term issue.
The Twin Towers Orphan Fund and generous individuals like you understand the uniqueness of the orphaned children of 9/11. Through continued donations, TTOF continues to provide long-term assistance, ensuring that when the need arises, child victims have the resources available to begin and/or continue the healing process. By providing these underserved children with financial assistance, they are able to combat the grief, fear, anger, confusion and depression often associated with losing a parent. With our assistance, these victimized children will continue the long process of healing their hearts that were so quickly shattered in one moment, on one day. They will have the opportunity to lead as normal a life as possible and become responsible, contributing members of society.
TTOF has been serving the disadvantaged children of 9/11 since September 11, 2001 with the support and generosity of every day Americans, like you. Together, we have distributed nearly $4 million dollars to fund over 700 college savings accounts in the names of the child beneficiaries. An additional $3 million dollars was allocated for mental healthcare assistance, nearly $500,000 has been allocated for future assistance, and over $1 million dollars has been distributed directly to children in need.
We have done much, and we will do more. Please join us in continuing to create a more hopeful and promising future for the children of 9/11.
Michele Ritter
Chairman and CEO
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