Cruise To Host Gala For 9/11 Detox: Report

(CBS)  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."

[kpbkpb]

meboard and Rafterman1 It was people like you that still swear that was no Agent Orange in the Viet N. War. This is a medically proven case-by-case treatment which would costs mega bucks to those who undergo it. Mr. Cruse is willing to try and give and raise money to help these people--no strings attached. It maynot help all who decide to have the treatment, but if it helps just one person....

No. I don't believe in Scientology, but I believe in a person reaching out trying to help others!

[ycdbsoya]

Our family has sent two young adults through this completely non-religious physical regimen, as it's delivered in Los Angeles and Oklahoma. Both had life-ruining drug problems before the program. Now, both are straight-arrow, useful contributors to society because the program pulled the drug/chemical residues out of their bodies.

What kind of mentally sick person would speak against those first-responders--the ones who want to participate--having a program to get those life-crippling 9/11 toxins out of their bodies?

Those women and men deserve *every* chance to return their lives to normal.

Get your priorities straight, folks.

[terryeo1]

If it works, why not? So far those who do it say it works. 9/11 wasn't funny and the brave people who worked in toxic environments to help, should themselves be helped. You armchair critics should pull your thumb out, stick it in your mouth and hold your criticisms because you don't have a clue what it is like to have helped others at the risk of your own future. As has been said, no one else is doing it. The people who have done the program say it really works.

[cahippler]

I agree with Tom Cruise. He is just trying to help people in a way that is non intrusive. If it works for these people than what is the problem. I will tell you what the problem is and it is that no matter what this great human being does someone finds fault with it. Tom Cruise does a lot for people and he is still CUTE. I think people should back off!!! I am not a Scientologist, however I do not judge people by their beliefs. He is still a great actor, a great father, and I am sure a great husband. He is drug free which is more than I can say for at least 90% of Hollyweird!!!!!