Watch CBS News

Cruise To Host Gala For 9/11 Detox: Report

Tom Cruise will host a gala fundraiser for a controversial detoxification process aimed at helping 9/11 workers, the New York Post reported Friday.

The actor is a co-founder of the New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project, which provides those exposed to toxic agents in the rescue and clean-up at the World Trade Center site to a detoxification procedure developed by L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology.

The regimen treatment, lasting a period of three to four weeks, incorporates vitamin and mineral supplements and cold-pressed oils, as well as aerobic exercise and saunas, rather than traditional medicines. The process, administered by the Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education (a Scientology research group), releases toxins trapped in the fat tissues of subjects.

Its advocates say that detoxification has reduced PCB levels in workers exposed to chemicals at Ground Zero, and that the majority of cases have gained improvements in neurological, muscle and lung symptoms.

According to the project's Web site, more than 750 men and women have "recovered quality of life and job fitness through detoxification," since the program began in September 2002.

The project, which offers the treatment to rescue workers for free, initially received the endorsement of New York politicians — and even city funds — until the Foundation's links to the Church of Scientology were revealed. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) was one of several who released letters in support who later backed off.

The project is not been endorsed by the city's fire and police departments.

However, representatives of the policemen's and paramedics' unions are participating in the fundraiser, serving on the host committee.

Ed Mullins, the Sergeants Benevolent Association president, said he was impressed after speaking to several firefighters who had taken the detoxification program who claimed it had reduced their dependence on some medications.

He signed on as the event's co-chair.

"I'll do anything to help my members," he told the Post. "I've got to try to do something because no one else is doing it."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.