by Ezabelle Janssen, Senior Staff Writer
BILOXI (GG) — Step by step, stride by stride, the Mississippi Gulf Coast came together to ensure the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes are never forgotten.
The 12th annual Tunnel to Towers Biloxi 5K Run, Walk and Climb brought service members, first responders, volunteers, and supporters to Margaritaville Family Resort on Saturday, September 12th. Participants crossed the Biloxi Bay Bridge during the 5K before facing another challenge: climbing 22 flights of stairs five times in honor of those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001.
Photographs and decorations honoring fallen heroes lined the stairwell, turning every floor into a reminder of the courage behind the climb. The event stage also recognized local heroes, including Waveland Fire Chief Casey Piazza, who passed away two months earlier. Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation supports fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military members, and their families. Its mission is guided by a simple message: “While we have time, let us do good.”
Airman Basic Hailey Biddinger, a member of the NCBC Gulfport Battalion, spent the day volunteering alongside friends. “It’s been amazing,” Biddinger said. “Just being able to help people and support and encourage people on the run, it’s been awesome—incredible.”
Volunteers assisted with registration, security, setup, teardown, and other moving parts throughout the event. For Biddinger, the day demonstrated what can happen when people leave their homes and unite behind one cause. “This is going to sound cliché, but it’s so important to bring the community together,” Biddinger said. “It’s something that I’m very passionate about, seeing the community come together.”
That community spirit stretched from the starting line to the top of the climb. Although the heat and humidity added to the challenge, participants continued upward together. Waveland firefighters Reed and Levi experienced the steamy stairwells firsthand. “It’s pretty rough,” Reed said. “It’s hot and humid out. The stairwells are nice and steamy.”
Despite the conditions, Levi said the atmosphere remained positive. “Lots of good energy around here,” Levi said. “Everyone’s happy to be here supporting each other. It’s pretty nice.” For Reed, every difficult step carried a greater purpose. “To honor all those who gave their lives for us back in 2001,” he said.
Levi’s reason was equally personal and straightforward: “It’s important because I’m a fireman.”
The local campaign has raised over $45,000 continuing an effort that raised $170,000 last year. However, the day’s impact could not be measured by dollars, miles, or flights of stairs alone. It was found in volunteers encouraging runners, firefighters climbing for their fallen brothers and sisters, gathering to honor names and faces that must never be forgotten.
The stairs were hot, the bridge was long, and the Mississippi humidity showed no mercy. Still, the Coast kept climbing—carrying courage, community, and remembrance every step of the way.
(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
