Survivor Of 9/11 Tells Story Of Resilience And Importance Of Giving Back

By: Nick Liard

At the 2nd Annual Dr. Edward J. Conroy Distinguished Lecture Series the keynote speaker was a special one, the last man to make it out of the South tower on 9/11 and one of four who survived from the 81st floor and above.

Canadian Ron DiFrancesco who was working in the finance industry in New York says it’s taken him 15 years to share his story.

He found a stairwell after the second plane hit, attempted to make his way down from the 84th floor making it to the lobby when the tower fell.

He woke up days later in hospital.

DiFrancesco says it may be a story of pain, but it’s one of gratitude, resilience, adversity and giving back.

His story takes us back to a moment in history where we stood still, watching in awe and DiFrancesco hopes his story can inspire and show how it’s changed him.

DiFrancesco was working in New York for two years at the time of 9/11.

He now lives in Toronto with his wife and four children.

Before DiFrancesco took the podium, the 2nd Annual Dr. Edward J. Conroy Distinguished Lecture Series and Community Leadership awards were handed out.

With the awards Huntington University recognized local residents and groups who demonstrate leadership through community action.

This years winners include President and CEO of HSN Dr. Denis Roy, The learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury, NEO Kids, St. Joseph’s Villa of Sudbury and Markus Valtonen of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps.

Rock Bartolucci was presented the VitaNova award for outstanding community leadership.