Kayla - "The North Tower"

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“One of the things I’ve learned about PTSD, frankly I was angry at myself that I didn’t – that I didn’t recognize signs earlier.  But the only thing I knew about PTSD is that the military, first responders had it and I didn’t know what it looked like. ” – Kayla

It’s one of the first things those who were in New York City always seem to remember about the morning of September 11, 2001: its magnificent, crystal blue sky. Perhaps because it’s difficult to fathom, even in retrospect, that such tranquility would serve as a backdrop to the chaos that unfolded, or because the plumes of thick, dark smoke snuffed out the sun from view but not from memory. Regardless the reason, the “breathtaking view” is what Kayla recalls admiring as she stepped off the train and made her way to her corner office on the 68th floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower, unaware her life was about to be changed forever. 

Join former paramedic/firefighter and host Phil Klein as he sits down with Kayla who was working as the director of public affairs for The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey during 9/11. Kayla vividly recalls the dizzying descent from her office to the street below with the assistance of first responders, many of whom were rushing in as others rushed out. She describes the desperate attempt to account for her Port Authority co-workers and leadership in the aftermath and the unexpected long-term effects on her mental health. Kayla urges everyone, whether a first responder or civilian, to recognize the signs of PTSD and to not be ashamed of standing up for yourself and asking for help. 

Thank you for listening to Stories From the Road. If you’re a first responder with a story you’d like to share, please visit the ‘Be A Guest’ section of the Stories From the Road website to learn more about the opportunity to be featured in an upcoming episode.  

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