For everyone who does not know steven. Stephen was the youngest of seven and father of five, and on september 11th, you know, he was called to duty. He was on his way home to play golf with his brothers, but he heard on the radio scanner what happened and drove back to his firehouse. He had just finished his shift, but he went back to his firehouse and got his gear, drove to the brooklyn battery tunnel and was closed for security reasons, and he was faced with a decision. Just like all firefighters, First Responders, its an easy choice for him. He had to run there and save peoples lives, but while doing that, he gave up his own. Were so proud of what he did. The foundation expanded from, as i recall when you told me once before, it started at the dining room table. Yes. Youve now grown to a 5k event, and youre also branching out into helping other Homeless People or people in need, i should say. Well, we do many things, but a little over five years ago the first quadruple amputee was from staten island, our hometown. And Sergeant Brendan no rack coe, and we visited him, asked him if we could build him a house. It would be an honor, a pleasure and a privilege, and he humbly accepted. Thats where our Building Program started, because we saw the need. Because so many of our men and women are coming back with injuries, they would never have survived any of the war. So we see theres a big need out there, so we built speciallyadapted smart homes for the most catastrophicallyinjured service members. Jack goes around with a lot of firefighters and helped raise money and awareness, but by the end of this year, we will have finished 46 of these great homes for these great heroes. Weve committed to build 200 of them, thats why we need everyone to come to this stair or climb and everything we do. Lets bring jack in on the conversation. Significant milestone this year. How are you different then versus now, sirsome. Well, i mean, a lot of things happened to us in the last 15 years, and the Siller Foundation took something so terrible, so horrific and made something good come out of it. And to remember and honor all those that sacrificed for our freedoms every day, i mean, i think its the least we can do as americans that we live in this great country with all our freedoms. We have military guys going into harms way, volunteering to go into harms way so all of us can be free. So this is the least i can do to pay back and to pay it forward, to say thank you to all those First Responders that sacrifice their lives and now to our military that are still sacrificing their lives for us. One of the programs also was the travel aring mobile exhibit. Tell me a little bit about that. Yeah. We have a tractortrailer that actually drives all over the country. It expands to about a thousand square feet, and it tells the and weve found that through our travels that the schools are not really teaching the children about 9 11, what happened in our history. And we all know when we dont know our history, were bound to repeat it. Right. We feel its very important to bring this museum all over the country and to teach and reeducate people about what happened to this country not only in the 9 11 attack, but the 93 bombing which was our first attack which everybody forgets about. Only six people died that day, but that was a terrible day in our history. And most people dont know where they were on february 26, 1993. And that just tells you how frail our memories are. We can never forget what happened to us, we can never forget the soldiers and military protecting our freedoms. Never forget has been the theme, you know, tragically since it was introduced to us 15 years ago. Why do you think theyre not teaching, you know, educating the children more about what happens . Because you raise a good point, well, its two reasons, in my opinion. Excuse me. One, they dont get to Current Events and get up that far. A lot of times social studies classes end about, you know, korean war or the vietnam war kennedy assassination. They run out of time. And second, they dont know how to teach it, because its not everything not age appropriate. So you have kindergarten up to eighth grade up to high school, so you have to make it age appropriate for these kids to understand what happened to us. A lot of people have the fears of bringing peoples bad memories back, and that can never happen. That should never happen. Frank, youre okay with that . Or, i mean well, you know, jack hit on it, you know . You forget. It tends to happen again. That is why one of our missions is to make sure we go around with this mobile exhibit and teach america and remind america what happened that day. It is very important, because we dont want it to happen again. There are over 3,000 families whose lives were affected forever. But wasnt america affected forever . Way we do things. We think that is one of our missions, never forget. But part of it is doing good. So we dont want to forget, but we want to do good, and thats why we build these houses, thats why we do a lot of other things out there. Were on the road, a good, positive road but believe me when i tell you, well be out there with that exhibit. We have firefighters, Police Officers, miller military personnel going around so we dont forget. So this is the second year for the stair climb. Why is it more significant . Is it because youre going to the top instead of the 90th . Jacks nodding his head. [laughter] well, hes doing it. First of all, it is the 15th anniversary coming up in september, september 11th, which is very important. And i think the further we get away from, you know, september 11th, 2001, the more important that we do these things so we dont forget. But that being said, we are going all the way up into the, in the freedom tower, and youre to going to get up to one world observatory where youre going to be able to see everything, its just magnificent to run up those stairs in the building that really represents the sacrifice that was made that day in the stairwells. Think of how many firefighters and First Responders, Police Officers were in those stairwells running up there to save lives. So i think its a good thing to do. To say the least. We want to bring in someone you know very well, our Audrey Puente is hugely connected, you know . And she coanchors with me on the weekends. And i remember when she did it last year, and shes also doing it this year as well as hosting a special that youre haley involved in as well heavily involved in as well. So this is very important to the fox 5 family. And we appreciate that, because i know the friday before, friday the 13th, you going to air a special on the foundation and all the great work that were doing because we have thousands and thousands of volunteers that help us do it. We cant say thank you enough to them. But audrey and the whole fox 5 team has been terrific, to say the least. So tell us the particulars again, and people who still want to come out and still have time, go to tunneltotowers. Org to register. Were only going to register up to a thousand people, so you should do it right away, for sure. We have a limited amount that are allowed to go up the stairwell, and its may 15th. Its sunday morning. Youre going to see the sunrise. Itll be very spiritual, as youre doing it. Its very important. But we have to do it, because we have to honor those who gave their lives up that day. So happy about the exhibit so that if the information about our heroes gets lost in a contemporary or traditional setting, that there are other avenues to get those stories out about your brother, your personnel and the people that we all lost that day. Jack lost half his battalion that day working on that day. And, right. This is to honor everybody. Every one of them. So good to see you again, frankie. Chief . Nice to meet you. Help raise awareness about back. Some some 1. 6 million americans live with crohns and colitis disease, and still many do not know about it. The Foundation Continues working to change that, Rhondell Domilici and Molly Roberts are here to share their personal stories. Good to see you again, as always. Good to see you. Wring us up to speed. Bring us up to speed. Absolutely. Crohns and colitis are known as inflammatory bowel disease or ibd. Theyre autoimmune disorders which affect the digestive tract, and they cause severe and very complicated and challenging inflammation in the digestive tract which results in all sorts of symptoms that are very challenging to deal with. And unfortunately, theyre a lifelong, chronic disease. So if theres no cure, people who have with them live with them their entire lives. The organization has been working to raise awareness for some time now. Of those ones thats under the radar, per se . Your own opinion. Absolutely. And we sometimes refer to it as one of those kind of silent diseases just because its a difficult subject the talk about. So many people really do deal with it in silence which makes it even more challenging and brings along psychosocial issues in addition to the physical symptoms that they already have. So, you know, part of our mission is to really break those stigmas and spread awareness and allow people to feel comfortable talking about digestive issues and, you know, chronic pain and consistent diarrhea and all of those things that, you know, you dont usually talk about over dinner but are a daily struggle for people dealing with these diseases. Full disclosure, you and i became friends from your first appearance here about this very subject, and then just to let everyone know, my nephew who you know about this story has the disease. And it was new to us when he was diagnosed three years ago. Offered me support, then i started working with the foundation. And after hosting one of the 5k runs, one of the runs that you do, the first thing i noticed is that there was so many different colors of the spectrum of people that are impacted by this disease. Its not just africanamerican, its not just caucasian, you know . So it truly affects everyone. Absolutely. And 1. 6 million americans is a really big number. 1 in every 200 americans have Crohns Disease or ulcerative colitis. We need to get the word out there about it. Lets bring in molly. I understand you were 11 when you found out about it. When did you know something wasnt right . So when i was it was my first year of middle school, and i just began to feel really, really tired. I just couldnt get out of bed in the morning. I had joint pain, i had severe stomach pain and weight loss because i was having problems digesting certain foods. So thats when we really knew whatd your mom say to you . Were you trying were you dealing with becoming a preteen and things like that, was it tough for you to try to understand what was going on . Yeah, it was definitely hard for me to understand what was happening to me. I didnt truly begin to understand that i had crohns until i was 13 years old, and i started a jewelry business to help raise money and awareness for the disease. So when i really began to meet people through the crohns and Colitis Foundation and see how it impacts other people, i wanted to focus my efforts on to helping others on helping others who struggle with the disease. I saw your mom in the studio. Clearly, you and she are very close. Did you get even closer to your mom . Yeah. Shes been supportive throughout this whole thing, has been there every doctors visit, and its really been great. Before we see some of your jewelry, i want to ask rhondell a question because youve got a we want to make sure we get information out as far as raising awareness. Absolutely. One of the reasons we wanted to make sure molly was on the show is she is the honored hero at our upcoming take steps block on thursday, may 12th, 5 30 p. M. So its after a work day, easy for people to come to and still get home at a reasonable time. And that takes place down at the south street seaport. Its a wonderful celebration of efforts to both raise awareness and raise funds, and it really brings together the entire ibd community, their family, their friends, their doctors, companies who support what were doing, and its a wonderful night walking across the brooklyn bridge. Now, is that the one Ben Simmoneau, our Ben Simmoneau is hosting . Yeah. Fox 5s own Ben Simmoneau will be emceeing the event, and i know theres psas playing on fox 5 right now, so we really appreciate all of the support. The one thing i always take away from it is that you before when i was there and, you know, i even got emotional, you know, just seeing 11 years old, you know, on up to 60s and things like that. Is it tough to not get personally impacted when you see the mollys and my nephew and, you know . Does it still get to you . Oh, 100 percent. And im a patient myself, so its really hard to not be completely personally invested. Im very lucky to work for this wonderful organization thats doing such great work day in and day out. And we truly believe as an organization we are going to find a cure. There is wonderful research taking place in the field of genetics and microbichrome, Pediatric Research getting done, and we are getting closer and closer every day. If you come to the take steps walk, well find a cure. We just need everyone to get out and and help to keep the researchers in their labs so so molly mentioned shes creating jewelry to raise awareness. Show us a couple of the pieces that you have on your wrist, my dear. So these are my bracelets. I make mostly beaded bracelets on elastic cords, and ive been doing this for four years now, so my jewelry line has really expanded since the start. So here are very pretty. Thank you. Tell us how much youve raised from your [laughter] ive raised well over 40,000. Wow. So look at you. [laughter] shes a rock star. [laughter] speaking of, she also sings, i understand, as well. She does. I do sing. Very nice. To nice to meet you, molly. Once again, the information on the walk. It is thursday, may 12th, 5 30 p. M. You can find information at www. Cctakesteps. Org. Im sure i will see you out there. Good to see you again. When we come back, a were we are back, the theme for this years mcdonalds gospel fest is honor thy mother as it returns to the Prudential Center, here to tell us more is hey, antwan, how are you . You look good. Oh, man. God is good. All the time. Hows everything . Tell us about this years event. You know, our vision is about excitement, having a good time, celebrating god in all his glory. Saturday, may 7th at the prudential arena in newark, new jersey, and this year our theme is honor thy mother. We decided to go biblical. Were so excited that i cant even tell you that this year is going to be a special year. We have the biggest gospel stars in the industry, yolanda adams, donny mcclerken, the hot pamelaman, take me to the king. We are going to have such a great time. Bishop hezekiah walker. Cissy houston and many, many, many more. Its going to be a sensational day of celebrating god. And, plus, all of the greatest talent from around the world will be there to put their talents on display. You also do, the event also does, and as much as you wring the National Names and your grammy award and your spirit, you all remember the local. Yeah. Its all about the community, first and foremost. You know, 34 years ago a group of black mcdonald open owneroperators came up with this idea of mcdonalds gospel fest. And 34 years later it has grown into the largest, most preeminent gospel event in the country. And so it is always still on behalf of mcdonalds and the mcdonalds franchisees a giveback to the community. So its all about the community first. So the base of gospel fest is the community, giving them that chance to show their ministries and their talents and their art form outside the four walls of the church. Why do you think thats so important, to make sure that gets because thats what the good news, gospel music is the good the good news is all about going out and spreading that good news to others so that everybody can share in the wonderfulness of god. Everybody can have a piece of him. Everybody can have a piece of it. So the good news means go and share it, share it, you know what im saying . And we like to get it wrong and be in those four walls of the church, and we think, oh, hey, we having church, this is what its all about. Its not. That you go, revive yourself in the church, but e then you go do the work outside those four walls. So mcdonalds gospel fest stands for that. It is doing the work outside the four walls of the church. Thats a really good example, you know . Because you put it in perspective. Its like contained in the church yes, yes, and it just stays there. Were excited. Anybody who wants to join us, go to ticketmaster. Com, or you can go to the Prudential Center box office, and i promise you, you wont be disappointed. Antwan, this is going to be off i also have to say you know why personally im proud of this event yes. Its because, one, greg kelly, you know, one of my dear ens friends hes the host. Its not so much that, anything that will get greg kelly closer to god im all for. [laughter] we love our greg. We need to get him closer to god. We love our greg, and ive got to tell you something, the people absolutely love him. Hes amazing. Look at that. Oh, my gosh. He was so excited. You can feel his rhythm. So excited. I cant tell you how many times he talked to me about that even on the show, but im just talking about outside of the context of work here. Right, right. Hes become mr. Gospel. He has. It really is, its a pleasure having him and having the entire fox family, my 9 family yep, lou support us every year. Louly onny. Thats my buddy. We came with him, and im so appreciative of everyone here and all that you all do to well, we love the event. God is so happy with you, my brother, and with the entire station. So thank you. Tell us who you brought, the kean cougars. The university gospel choir. And the young man, malcolm, whos directing the choir, has been with me probably since he was about 5. Okay. At some point or another as a soloist, as a group, and this year hes coming with the choir. And were so happy. We have st. Johns university, we have their praise dance group, so we have a lot of colleges involved this year. Love that. Yeah. Thats going to be fun. Date one more time. Saturday, may 7th, at the prudential arena or center in newark, new jersey. For tickets go to ticketmaster. Com or go to the Prudential Center box office. Well hear from kean when we come back. The kean cougars will be here, a further preview of gospel fest. A. Curtis farrow is here. Now, you brought the kean cougars. Yes, the cougars are in the house today. [cheers and applause] [laughter] Kean University gospel choir and our good buddy malcolm been with us, weve been with gospelfest forever, leading this great choir. Hi, malcolm. Must have started when he was 5 years old. He did. He did, actually, he did. Tell us more information for anyone wanting to go this year. Saturday, may 7th, the biggest gospel event of the year at the prudential arena in newark, new jersey. Its going to be yolanda adams, and many, many other stars and the wonderful Kean University cougars. Were going to let them do their thing. To learn more about todays show, go to fox5ny. Com, like us on facebook, follow us on twitter. Im antwan lewis. As always, thank you for the company, and well see you next time. What if god is unhappy without praise . What he is not pleased with the words we say . What if he takes away his love and his spirit from above . What if god is up happy without praise . What if god is unhappy with the way we live . What if he is not pleased with the way we give . What if he takings away his love takes away his love and his spirit from above . What if god is unhappy with the way we live . Walk, we must change the way we talk. We must live a life thats pleasing to a king. We must read gods holy word, let his praises be heard. Lord, just be pleased with our praise. We must change the way we walk, we must change the way we talk. We must live a life thats pleasing to our king. We must read gods holy word, let his praises be heard. Lord, be pleased, lord, just be pleased lord, just be pleased, lord, praise, praise, praise, praise. [applause] female narrator the following is a paid presentation for the Bye Bye Foundation beautiful you collection from it cosmetics by jamie kern lima. Brought to you by guthy renker. 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