For College of Staten Island alumna and current staffer Hailey Caruso, running is about more than reaching the finish line. It is a way to honor her family, support a meaningful cause, and recognize the sacrifices made by first responders.

A multi-sport athlete at CSI, having participated in cross-country in 2021 and 2022, indoor and outdoor track & field during the 2021-2022 school year, and played flag football in 2022, Caruso was recently named the Borough’s recipient of a $20,000 charitable grant through the 2026 Citizens Miles That Matter Award program, sponsored by Citizens and New York Road Runners for community service, leadership, and their personal marathon journeys.

Caruso, who is now an HR Specialist in the campus’ Human Resources Department, put the lessons of discipline and perseverance learned in the classroom and on the playing fields at CSI to work by running the New York City Marathon this past weekend as part of Team Citizens and she directed the $20,000 grant to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Her commitment to the organization is deeply personal. Caruso’s father, an FDNY firefighter, survived the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks but was forced into early retirement because of illnesses related to his service that day.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors the legacy of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who lost his life after running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel toward the World Trade Center on September 11. The organization supports first responders, military service members, and their families.

For Caruso, supporting the foundation was an opportunity to honor her father and help families affected by the lasting consequences of service. Her journey also reflects how the lessons learned through athletics can extend far beyond college competition, providing a foundation for resilience, purpose, and giving back to the community.

Now in its second year, the Citizens Miles That Matter Award honors one recipient from each of New York City’s five boroughs. The program coincides with the anniversary of the TCS New York City Marathon’s five-borough course.

Caruso’s full story was recently featured in the Staten Island Advance by Advance reporter Ann Marie Barron.

Read the original story here: Her FDNY father survived 9/11. Now this Staten Island runner will honor him with every mile.