Inspirational speaker Ron DiFrancesco was the last known person to escape the South Tower of the World Trade Center before it collapsed in the 9/11 attacks. DiFrancesco suffered with PTSD and survivor’s guilt after that fateful day, but has overcome many of his difficulties by focussing on gratefulness, mindfulness and giving back to his community. DiFrancesco has featured in several publications including Time magazine’s special edition 9/11 Portraits of Resilience and was asked to take part in a film based on John Gieger’s book The Third Man Factor.

DiFrancesco was working for Euro Brokers when he was chosen to close the Canadian operation and move the business to New York City in 2000. On September 11th 2001 he saw the smoke from the North Tower after the first plane had hit, and began to evacuate his office. The second plane hit the South Tower just moments later, crashing between the 77th and 85th floors. DiFranceso and fellow colleague Brian Clark attempted to rescue someone they heard calling for help, but couldn’t get through the smoke. DiFrancesco then tried to head downstairs through the flames, and at one point was lying on the floor gasping for air when he heard a voice telling him to keep going. When he finally reached the ground floor, he narrowly escaped a fireball heading towards him as the building began to collapse, waking up days later in hospital covered in burns and with broken bones.

DiFrancesco was one of only four people to escape from above the 81st floor of the building. With the help of his family, friends and local community, he has successfully rebuilt his life after that tragic day and has paid back his community by supporting numerous local charities.