Many remember where they were on September 11, 2001, and how that day changed their lives. Katrina Keefer, now the CEO of DCH Health System and living just blocks away from the World Trade Center, experienced the attacks in a remarkably direct way.
The emotional impact of the 9/11 attacks was profound, leaving nearly 3,000 dead in New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. For those who were alive at the time, the memories of that day are indelibly etched in their minds.
On the fateful morning, Keefer heard a loud explosion reverberate through her Manhattan apartment. That moment marked a pivotal point in her life and in American history. From her building’s roof, she witnessed the unfolding horror of the attacks.
“I was in New York City during both the best and worst times,” Keefer reflected. She was on the roof when the second plane collided with the World Trade Center, a moment she will never forget.
Living only three blocks from the towers, Keefer recalled hearing the initial impact of the first plane hitting Tower 1. The force was so intense that she initially thought something had struck the Brooklyn Bridge.
“I looked out my window and saw that traffic was still moving,” she said. Then her roommate alerted her that something had hit the World Trade Center, prompting Katrina to rush to the roof for a closer look.
“The life-changing moment for me was seeing flickers coming off the first building, followed by objects falling rapidly,” she recounted, realizing those were people jumping from the windows. “To understand that this was their choice was incredibly painful.” Shortly after, she witnessed the second plane crash into the second tower, still not fully grasping the magnitude of the terrorist attacks.
As the situation escalated, residents were ordered to evacuate. She gathered some essentials into a backpack, including her Bible and clean underwear, and withdrew cash from ATMs. “I figured if I had cash, clean underwear, and my Bible, I would be okay.”
Having previously been involved in mission work, Keefer felt prepared for the day. “I knew exactly what I needed,” she explained, recalling how she prioritized packing socks for warmth since she was unsure where she would end up.
The streets quickly filled with smoke and debris as the towers collapsed. “I couldn’t see the implosion, only the smoke surging down the street,” she remembered.
In the aftermath of 9/11, Keefer experienced profound personal growth, which significantly influenced her leadership approach. “Throughout my life, I’ve faced many unique situations, and I’ve learned valuable lessons from each one.”