Childlike drawing of a yellow sun with long, uneven rays against a black background.

About The Spirit of 9/12

A movement rooted in remembrance, kindness, and service, born from the day the world came together in the wake of 9/11.

From Loss to Light: Cait’s Journey

When Cait Leavey was just 10 years old, she lost her father, FDNY Lieutenant Joseph Gerard Leavey, who bravely responded to the September 11 attacks. Although she was young at the time, the values he embodied—service, empathy, and joy—made a lasting impact on her life.

As an AmeriCorps alum, Cait has dedicated herself to service, education, and community healing, continually seeking ways to honor her father's legacy. Through The Spirit of 9/12, she channels both memory and action. Each year, Cait brings people together through acts of kindness, art, and unity, transforming grief into grace, loss into community, and remembrance into tangible impact.

Cait Leavey and kids gathered around a poster for the 'Stars of Hope 9/12 Community Resilience Project,' with children holding colorful flags, and adults smiling for the photo.

Our Philosophy

Remembrance with a Purpose

Honoring the love and unity that followed a tragedy, not just the tragedy itself.

Drawing of a yellow sun with rays extending outward.
A simple, hand-drawn illustration of a yellow sun with rays extending outward.

Connection Over Time

For five years running, this event has kept alive the spirit of human connection that defined September 12th.

Hand-drawn yellow sun with rays extending outward.

Everyday
Service

Encouraging small acts of kindness that ripple out into meaningful change.