Author and businesswoman comes the inspiring story of a woman whose resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy captured the hearts of many. She rose to prominence as a survivor of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks—a day that changed her life forever. On that fateful morning, she suffered catastrophic burns across 82.5 percent of her body, enduring immense pain and multiple surgeries. Her recovery was long and grueling, requiring more than six months in the hospital, but her determination never wavered.
Before fame, she had already built a successful career as a Wall Street executive, working at Cantor Fitzgerald, the firm located in the World Trade Center. At the time of the attacks, her son Tyler Manning was just 10 months old, too young to understand the chaos but central to her motivation to survive and heal. She and her husband, Greg, later welcomed a second son, Jagger, expanding their family with love and hope for the future.
Drawing strength from her military roots—her father was a proud Marine—she channeled her experience into powerful storytelling. In 2011, she published her memoir, Unmeasured Strength, which quickly became a New York Times bestseller. The book not only detailed her physical and emotional journey but also served as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the darkest moments.
Through her writing, advocacy, and public speaking, she continues to inspire countless individuals around the world. Her name has become synonymous with courage, perseverance, and the unyielding will to rebuild after devastation. And as she shares her story, one thing remains clear: her legacy is not defined by tragedy, but by triumph.
She was at 1 World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001, arriving right at 8:46 am. Moments later, everything changed when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building. The impact sent flames racing through the lobby, and tragically, she was caught in the fire—her back and arms badly burned. Despite the chaos and pain, she managed to escape, running across all six lanes of West Street, dodging traffic, until she finally reached a grassy embankment where she collapsed. It was a harrowing ordeal, one that marked her life forever. Her survival, though, stands as a powerful testament to strength and resilience. She, like so many others that day, faced unimaginable horror—but she made it out.