AI grief companion launched to honor 9/11 victim’s legacy

On the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Hold the Door has introduced Doora, a round-the-clock artificial intelligence companion designed to support people experiencing grief, trauma or other major losses.

The nonprofit describes Doora as a “growth guide” that provides text and voice-based conversations. It is intended for people who may not have access to a therapist, counselor or supportive family and friends, as well as those who feel hesitant about seeking help.

“We designed Doora to be a bridge for people in the moment when they’re going through a very difficult time so they can have a moment where they say, ‘Maybe I can get through this. Maybe I can grow from this experience,’” said Rob Fazio, founder of Hold the Door and the son of Ronald Fazio Sr.

Ronald Fazio Sr. died in the attacks after helping coworkers evacuate the South Tower of the World Trade Center. His son founded the nonprofit in his father’s memory, carrying forward what Fazio described as his father’s instinct for putting other people first.

Doora represents the latest effort by the organization, which also provides grief workshops, educational resources and community programs. Lawyers, psychologists and business leaders participated in developing the AI tool, according to Fazio.

He said the project draws on 24 years of the organization’s work with loss, adversity and post-traumatic growth.

“The foundation of Doora is built upon our 24 years of experience and research on post-traumatic growth and growth through adversity,” Fazio said.

The chatbot is available at all hours, allowing users to interact through written messages or voice. Fazio said Hold the Door found that meeting people where they are emotionally, psychologically and physically can be more effective than waiting for them to come directly to the organization.

For Fazio, the project remains closely tied to his family’s experience after his father was killed. Because Ronald Fazio Sr.’s remains were never recovered, his family held a memorial service with a casket filled with personal belongings that reflected his life.

“In the absence of a body, sometimes it is hard to grieve,” Fazio said.

During the service at a Catholic church, Fazio made a promise that he has since tried to fulfill through his father’s legacy.

“My dad was a quiet man, but his legacy is going to be damn loud,” he recalled telling those present.

Doora is designed to help users acknowledge their pain without allowing it to become their entire identity. Fazio said the tool offers support while encouraging people to imagine what they want their lives to look like after a loss or period of adversity.

“We are supportive and, at the same time, give people a little nudge toward their future while they’re honoring a loved one they lost or some adversity that they faced,” he said.

He said the goal is not simply to help people endure what happened, but to support the development of the kind of person they want to become.

“You are who you are, and we can help you develop and create more of who you want to be,” Fazio said.

The launch places Hold the Door’s grief support work in the public eye again as communities mark a quarter-century since the attacks. For Fazio, Doora connects that history with the organization’s continuing mission: helping others find support while carrying forward his father’s example.