Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

As we welcome the beginning of another new year, anyone who was potentially affected by the 9/11 attacks should make sure they meet any deadlines, register with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), and take the first step towards getting free lifetime 9/11 healthcare and enroll in the  World Trade Center Health Program. The VCF was established to provide necessary financial support to those who have suffered from physical health conditions in the aftermath of the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC). 

Tragically, since 9/11, more people have died from a 9/11-related cancer or other illnesses due to the toxic dust and fumes than the amount of people who died that day due to the initial attack. To address this tragedy, the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is open to families who have lost loved ones to a 9/11 cancer or breathing condition in the 20-plus years since the attacks. Even if the death of your loved one occurred many years ago, you may still be entitled to compensation from the 9/11 VCF. This fund is available to not only the families of first responders, but also the families who lost loved ones who lived, worked, or went to school in Lower Manhattan (anywhere south of Canal Street) between 9/11 and May 30, 2002. 

The year 2023 has been pivotal for cancer research, with groundbreaking advancements promising a new era of cancer care and treatment options for patients, including those suffering from one or more of the 70+ different 9/11 cancers. From the approval of innovative therapies by the Food and Drug Administration to significant strides in clinical trials, these developments are changing the landscape of oncology. Here's a look at some of the year's most promising advancements.

Long after hijacked airliners piloted by terrorists took down the World Trade Center towers in New York more than 22 years ago, fires burned below the fallen buildings’ rubble, emitting lethal toxins that posed long-term health problems for thousands of people.

Chronic health conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been a monumental struggle for thousands of 9/11 responders and survivors. Fortunately, help is available. For those who have developed GERD as a result of the terrorist attacks, medical monitoring and treatment are available through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), and financial compensation is available through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Understanding the condition and how it relates to the 9/11 terrorist attacks is the first step for responders and survivors in navigating the support that is available to them.

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was created to provide financial relief to the individuals and families affected by the 9/11 attacks and subsequent rescue and debris removal efforts. Yet, receiving a VCF award brings forth a new challenge: How to wisely use the award money to secure a financially stable future, especially considering the long-term health conditions and possible terminal illnesses many victims face. 

Beyond the immediate devastation, the tragic events of 9/11 also set in motion a public health crisis that continues to affect thousands of first responders as well as the downtown workers, residents, and students who were all exposed to the toxic dust, debris, and fumes that covered Lower Manhattan until mid-2002. Among the many health problems that have since emerged, lung cancer has stricken several hundred of the responders and downtown workers, residents, and students. For many, receiving the support needed to deal with a lung cancer diagnosis has been fraught with challenges, including an understanding of the two federal 9/11 programs that can help, the World Trade Center Health Program (healthcare) and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (financial compensation). 

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, exposed 500,000 downtown workers, residents, and students to cancer-causing dust between 9/11 and May 30, 2002.  Those who lived, worked, or went to school in lower Manhattan (anywhere south of Canal Street) and were diagnosed with any cancer (or lost a loved one), have potential benefits available to them that include lifetime 9/11-related healthcare and a tax-free cash payment. 

The 9/11 attacks covered all of lower Manhattan with vast amounts of toxic cancer-causing dust that was breathed in by 500,000 downtown workers, residents, students, responders, and others during the many months after the attacks. In the years since, tens of thousands of those exposed to this dust have gotten sick with any number of 9/11-linked cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, blood cancer, cancer of the digestive system, and many other types. Many of those sickened do not know of the strong link between the 9/11 dust and their cancer which was often diagnosed many years later. There has also been a stark lack of awareness of the downtown civilian population (the area workers, residents, students, and others) that help is available, including lifetime 9/11 healthcare from the World Trade Center Health Program (the WTCHP) and tax-free compensation from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (the VCF). 

For survivors of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the increased risk of breast cancer for those who lived worked, or went to school in the surrounding areas during the 9/11 attacks, or in the many months after the attacks. It is important that those who were exposed to the toxic cloud of dust and debris in the aftermath of the attacks are aware of the risks associated with exposure, as well as the various rights, benefits, and compensation available to them.