and we have to continue to remind people that this is one of the greatest cities on the earth. >> but having gone through hell and high water, residents near staten island are thinking survival rather than triumph of spirit. >> i know there's a lot of plans and a lot of things involved, but there's people here that lost their lives. >> we are in desperate need. these are people's lives. everything we're picking up here, it's not debris. it's remnants of people's lives. >> you think those 47,000 people who came for the marathon can turn it around or come here to help you? >> that would be the ideal. not only me but so many people in need. >> while some runners pledged to help. j.r. martinez feels new yorkers will also come out stronger as they overcome yet another difficult challenge. >> is there a parallel between -- you have your obvious scars, your personality shines through. you're an incredible person and an inspiration. how does that transfer into this situation? >> challenges are a good thing.