`my Life Has Been In A Rut Since 9/11'

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday September 11, 2003

MARCY Borders, whose dust-caked face became a symbol of the World Trade Centre tragedy after she struggled down 81 flights of stairs to escape the conflagration, has pretty much given up on getting the help she needs to recover from her trauma.

``My life has been in a rut since 9/11," she said.

Two years ago, a photograph that captured her covered with dust in a frozen stance appeared in newspapers, magazines and on television programs around the world.

Ms Borders, who had been on welfare but had started a new job as a $60,000-a-year technical assistant at the Bank of America a month before September 11, was at the copy machine in her 81st-floor office in tower one when the first plane hit.

In her rush to get out of the building, she left behind her wallet with all the money she had - $758 from her first pay cheque - her driver's licence, Social Security card, and birth certificate. A building pass was her only identification.

But she has lost much more than that. Now, she has a fear of tall buildings, crossing bridges and going through tunnels, and a feeling of being abandoned by agencies that should be helping.

On Monday, Ms Borders started what she said was a free preschool, teaching ``the basics" to two three-year-olds from her neighbourhood. ``This may be my turning point. Maybe this is what God wants me to do for the rest of my life," she said. She is holding classes in her apartment.

Although she filled out forms provided by various agencies she contacted for help, Ms Borders said she had not received adequate counselling or substantial financial support. She said she received about $455 from the Red Cross and donations totalling about $1515, from individuals.

Nancy Rutherford, a Red Cross spokeswoman, said the organisation gave substantially more money to Ms Borders, and sent case workers to interview her.

EDITORIAL Terror must not win: Page 22