MICHIGAN MEN'S LACROSSE FUNDRAISER

On September 11, 2024, the student-athletes of the University of Michigan Men's Lacrosse team will be running the stairs of the Big House. This won't be a normal workout as they will be running the exact number of steps in the World Trade Center, 2,071 to be precise, to raise awareness of the tragedy on September 11, 2001, and raise funds to support the Michael J Cawley Memorial Foundation. Additionally, the team will have the opportunity to learn more about Michael, the work of his foundation, and life as a NYC firefighter from Michael's brother and current firefighter, Brendan.

ABOUT MICHAEL CAWLEY

On September 11th, 2001, Michael’s life, like that of so many of his brother firefighters, was tragically cut short when he responded with Rescue Company 4 to the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center. The previous night, Michael had been covering a shift for a fellow firefighter at Engine Company 292. He had been relieved of duty early on the morning of the 11th. When the report of the disaster at the World Trade Center came in, Michael jumped aboard the truck and rode into Manhattan with Rescue 4, determined to help save lives. Ironically, Michael spent his last day as a firefighter working with the same fire trucks he used to play on as a boy.

Michael Joseph Cawley lived and died with a passion for helping people. He lived each day learning and growing and would bring his growth and new knowledge with him into each succeeding day. A friend once summed up Michael by saying, "to him, it wasn’t the years in his life but the life in his years".

THE FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL J CAWLEY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

Honoring Michael's life of service, this fund supports NYC firefighters and those facing cancer and other illnesses related to the tragedy of 9/11.

Michigan MLax 9/11 Stair Challenge Fundraiser

Honor the fallen and support NYC Firefighters while we climb the total steps in the World Trade Center

Team Members