Soon it will be the 18th anniversary of 9/11/01, and the news media will remind us of the 2,283 persons killed that day. But little will be said about all those who have died from World Trade Center (WTC) illnesses after 9/11.
On 9/11/01, the New York Fire Department lost 343 firefighters. Since then more than 200 firefighters have died from WTC illnesses. It is also reported that 2,000 New York City firemen have been found to have WTC illnesses.
It took the federal government 10 years to admit that 50 types of cancer were connected to the events of 9/11.
It is also reported that the real numbers of those dying from WTC illnesses will never be known because recovery workers went to private doctors for treatment.
I am one of those who was lucky to survive two types of cancer.
So when you remember those who were lost on 9/11 , please keep in mind all those who died after 9/11. And those who are now sick and will also die from WTC illnesses.
Thomas Cooney
Vernon