It may have taken eleven years and 70,000 possible victims later for the powers that be to do the right thing, but they finally did. Dr. John Howard, program administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program, announced on the eve of 9/11 that dozens of cancers will now be eligible for treatment and compensation. As recently as June, 2012 a list of 58 various types of cancers were added to the 14 various categories of related illnesses, providing needed medical treatment for many who were previously excluded.
The initial list only included a handful of recognized illnesses excluding cancer which they stated lacked enough evidence related to the tragedy and greatly thought to be due from dust, lingering airborne substances following the terrorist attack. However, many of those who helped in the following months with the initial clean up were amongst those also adversely affected in the aftermath of 9/11.
Fumes, dust and exposure to the smoldering wreckage was long thought to be the culprit behind ongoing illnesses suffered by first responders, but only until recently did those victims find any help from the government. Sadly, many passed away before help came.
Whether you helped in the clean up or lived near the destruction, those affected can be much farther reaching than those originally considered covered. First responders, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical care and residents in the outlying areas are likely to be victims of the lingering effects in the aftermath.
The cost of the cancer coverage only is currently estimated at $33 million and includes a small window of time for those victims; only five years. Originally, the bill was passed in the House to include a 30 year window of time, but eventually was shot down by the Senate to extend to only five years. Sadly, most of these victims may take ten-plus years before the evidence of their illness begins to appear.
WTC Health program
Applications are currently being accepted from potential victims and coverage. Enrollment for first responders to the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA site is expected to begin by late 2012 once eligibility guidelines and program benefits are defined.
Additionally, there is coverage for those responders who live outside the metropolitan area of New York City. If you assisted in the recovery, clean-up or even visited the area immediately after 9/11 you may want to start the application process to determine if you are covered.
To find out if you are eligible for the coverage, visit “The Center for Disease Control and Prevention” at http://www.cdc.gov/wtc/. An online questionnaire will take you through the initial step by step process.
Again, it could take a decade or more to realize the entire impact of this tragic event. If you are experiencing any possibly related symptoms, do not wait to receive the help. Monitoring and program benefits may be available to you now.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Take a moment today to thank God for your health, our great country and especially for those who risk their lives for all of ours.
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