Rescuers rage over cancer exclusion in 9/11 fund

In this undated photo provided by the New York City Fire Department, FDNY fire marshal Steven Mosiello, left, is shown talking to an unidentified firefighter. Mosiello, who worked at ground zero after the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, died of esophageal cancer at a Melville, N.Y. hospice on Friday, July 15, 2011. He was 58. / AP Photo/FDNY

NEW YORK — First responders and others who say they became ill after working at ground zero voiced anger and disappointment at a town hall meeting in New York about a $2.8 billion federal fund for them.

Federal officials had announced Tuesday that those with cancer will continue to be excluded from the federal help for those who say they were sickened while working in the World Trade Center wreckage after the Sept. 11 attacks.

A few dozen of them gathered at the meeting Wednesday night. The tone remained respectful toward fund administrator Sheila Birnbaum. But retired police detective John Marshall made a forceful argument by standing and speaking through a breathing tube he has needed since treatment for throat cancer.

Photos: Ground Zero Health Crisis

Some first responders and people who lived near the lower Manhattan site on Sept. 11, 2001, believe their cancer is connected to the cloud of toxins that bloomed from the destruction of the 110-story WTC twin towers. But a federal review, by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, determined that "very little" evidence had been reported on the link between the massive toxic cloud and cancer.

The report said only one peer-reviewed article was published on the subject in 2009 and two others were based on models to estimate the risk of cancer.

Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand called on the director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to accelerate research and data collection to examine the links between cancer and exposure to contaminants at ground zero.

Watch: Voices of Sick 9/11 Responders
Watch: Cancer Kills 9/11 Firefighter

Democratic Charles Schumer called the report "premature."

"So many people have gotten such rare cancers — and at young ages — that it seems obvious there must be a link," he said in a statement.

Watch: Doctor Discusses Ground Zero Health Issues

The Zadroga Act, named for a police detective who died at age 34 after working at ground zero, was created to aid those who were sickened. It guarantees that those facing health problems related to Sept. 11 will be monitored by doctors and receive treatment at least until 2015. It also requires the administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program, established by the act, to review medical evidence to determine if there is reason to add cancer to the list of diseases covered.

The next review will be conducted in early to mid-2012.

The cause of Zadroga's 2006 death continues to be debated. His supporters say he died from respiratory disease contracted at ground zero. But the city's medical examiner said his lung condition was caused by prescription drug abuse, not by World Trade Center particles.

[oldman67]

H.R. approved 725 billion for defense but they would have to deny 9/11 responder care,cut education and unemployment compensation.

[846ptpch]

If your some would be terrorist in Guantonimo Bay or an illegal criminal or any criminal; you get state of the art care. If you are a 911 hero, gulf war vet, vietnam vet; forget it. The government will do studies until the victims die of their disease. This is how the ones at the top feel about our heros. What a disgrace our leadership is. They are too busy filling their own pockets to be bothered with our heros' needs

[wtcmedic911]

This is true... good posting

[FedupLisa]

you're so right. they also did this with Vietnam Vets and Agent Orange. If they don't think it caused the cancers, then they must know what does cause cancer. Why aren't they filling in the world on their discovery? every time Americans risk their lives for this country, I'm sorry to say that they get kicked in the teeth if they need help as a result. If there's anything us nobodies can do, please post.

[nfission]

Democrats are the only ones with a heart, they are humanitarians and if it were up to them these people would be getting the help they need and deserve. There is something in a country where those who risk their lives everyday get paid the least and those who don't give a rip about humanity get paid the most.

[nfission]

I meant to say, there is something "wrong" in a country...

[wtcmedic911]

I am a republican, a conservative however agree with you on this. Its not a hand out or entitlement program. its compensation for a life of illnesses or for injuries.

[MichaelGaree]

The same kind of rationale was used for many years to deny disability benefits to Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

For crying out loud, give these first responders the benefit of the doubt! Why is it that our "leaders," at virutally all levels of government, continue trying to "save money" at the expense of those men and women who make such tremendous sacrifices to ensure that all Americans remain free and safe?

Michael Garee

[bwestbroker]

My thoughts exactly.Agent Orange "didn't exist" until way too many men had already died of its effects.WHEN is this country going to step up and do what's right without its citizens having to browbeat them into it?I was under the impression that 9/11 was the gathering point for ALL of America..but NOW we have people who think "quibbling" gives some respect to those memories and lives lost and being lost???

[Dgunner]

When the day comes no one wants to be a fireman or police officer and when the american people quit volunteering for military service and all the chemists and biologists move to other countries.Then the United States will come to a stand still and will become a conqured nation.When people volunteer for military this makes them a cut above the ones who don't or won't and if the draft is reinstated the draftees will scoff at thier assigned duties after all what can be done to them? When The people start speaking through actions instead of words then and only then will they be heard.This type of action takes group participation which the american people will not do out of fear they might have to actually sacrafice something .

[RealiteBites]

This is why Anthony Weiner's constituents wanted him to stay, even after the whole twitter photo incident - because he was the 9/11 responders' most vocal champion in Washington.

What a slap in the face to these people who put their lives at risk to try and save the lives of others. It's not right, to not see self-sacrifice rewarded.

[run2jazz2]

Billions to teach Afghans to read and to outfit the military and police force. Billions to run bases in Iraq, Kuwait and other areas throughout the world. Try to provide Ameicans healthcare for those who were the first responders and voluntered to assist in this tragedy gets nothing.

[Overruled1]

The powers that be, have maintained this system of insurance structure to profit from it. It is a way of making lots of money without actually working. They have their lobbyists in Washington, and make sure to manipulate laws to reflect their greed.
The GOP has always hated the Kennedys', and the HMO's that Ted was able to get past congress.
If it wasn't for Ted Kennedy, where would american healthcare be today?

[BillsCatz]

Yesterdays article said no scientific link to cancer -- and todays follow-up says it all. "A few dozen people showed up to hoo-hah about the ruling." A few dozen... So a dozen smoked for decades and lived in old homes filled with asbestos, another dozen may or may not have gotten ill dues to 9/11 and the rest are looking for the Gravy Train.

[antoniof123]

Sounds like the GOP health care plan "DIE QUICKLY".

[MichaelGaree]

And, if you are a poor person, please die even quicker!

Michael Garee

[slatep]

The other day there was an article on this site pertaining to the loss of up to $2.1 BILLION in transport funds that actually went to the TALIBAN.!

In the days following the collapse of the towers people from all walks of life came to the site to help.

Now; almost ten years later when people are still sick and dying from exposure to all the toxins they were exposed to; the government refuses to cover cancers; saying there is no definitive proof these cancers were caused by those toxins.

I have to say I am not the least bit surprised that the government is trying to weasel out of paying for the medical care of these heroes.

You have only to look back at Agent Orange and Gulf War Syndrome to see that the government spent almost as much money trying to deny any responsibility as they did treating veterans.

Now, they are at it again.

If nothing else, public opinion of their decision should put enough pressure on them to pay up.

Cancer treatment is very expensive and what they are telling these brave men is "we'll take care of you as long as you don't cost us too much money".

"Develop cancer however and you are on your own".

Instead of sending BILLIONS to foreigm countries, many of whom are our enemies; give these people the best treatment money can buy.

THEY EARNED IT.!!!

[Overruled1]

The reasons for sending billions of our hard earned dollars to foreign and sometime unfriendly nations are various.
They range from payoffs for peace, which I've been against, and is prevalent in several areas of the middle east....to debts owed for services rendered....some are military payoffs others are governmental operations needs....but in all cases, alot of the money is missing.....where did all that money go?
Corruption is where it went, investing it the opium poppy I imagene...
Did you know that for all the opium Afghanistan produces, there is legitimate need for, but we are prevented from purchasing it because Turkey has a treaty authorizing them to be our sole providers?
It is a mafiaoso thing that is going on in Afghanistan, not Al Quada.