Two weeks after 9 11, the city attempted to close Squad 1, which had suffered the loss of twelve men. Known for her feisty spirit and passionate loyalty, Marian, who was still reeling from her profound loss, began to mobilize the neighborhood to keep the firehouse open. From this unlikely platform the 9 11 Widows and Victims Families Association grew. Over the next twelve months, Marian struggled with the tragedy s endless ripple effects, from the minute and deeply personal–she wonders who will play Star Wars with her son, Aidan, and carry him on his shoulders, to the collective–she works to get families and widows necessary information about the recovery effort and attends private meetings with Governor Pataki, Mayor Giuliani, Senator Clinton, and Mayor Bloomberg.