Today’s editorial, “9/11 cancer link can’t be ignored,” discusses the evidence of a cancer-ground zero link that’s all around us in the Lower Hudson Valley — the many first responders who have developed various types of cancer after their work in rescue and recovery operations at the World Trade Center site. The science, though, hasn’t caught up.
We cite the story of Chris McMurry of the NYPD, an Orangeburg father of two who was 
diagnosed with brain cancer in 2003. He died in 2008. His widow, Susie McMurry, talked about a just-released National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health report that declined, for now, to link cancers to 9/11 exposure. That means thousands are excluded from compensation and treatment under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
Susie McMurry said she was saddened that “the federal government is not supporting” those families. Her heart goes out to families struggling through the emotional, and monetary, costs of dealing with such a devastating illness. “I stood in CVS more than once and cried because our insurance didn’t cover the medication he needed just to stay alive,” she said last night.
She said she hadn’t considered any claim under Zadroga, saying her days are busy trying to raise her two sons, and she doesn’t have time “making more claims.” She said last night after dinnertime, “I’ve got my hands full.”
Her husband died three years ago this coming Monday.
JOURNAL NEWS FILE PHOTO: Susie McMurry, with with her sons Willy, 10, and Fred, 12, right, at their Orangeburg home May 10. McMurry’s late husband, Chris, a member of the NYPD, died of a 9/11-related illness in 2008.
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Site cancer as the main 9/11 responder illness under Zadroga Bill.
Dr. John Howard, medical examiner ruled out the 9/11 responders who are now cancer victims acquiring their illness from the tragedy of 9/11. They are being denied under the Zadroga Compensation Bill.
The importance cannot be overstated. The sick need our help with their illness and medical expenses. When and if they die—they will leave their spouses and families mired in medical debt besides the loss of their loved one. The sick and perhaps dying can no longer monetarily support their families—due to mostly cancer and are prisoners of their own homes. They need to be fairly compensated and treated with the dignity and respect of a United States hero. But now, the nation seemingly has forgotten these people by turning backs on them in their greatest hour of need. There will be future cancer illnesses attributed by the glass particle asbestos dust mixed with other toxicant particles of that day. After ten years we have not properly looked into the cause of why so many responders are now sick and dying of cancer.
I created a petition entitled cancer-stricken “WTC heroes are being denied”.
I’m trying to collect 100,000 signatures, and could really use your help.
To read more about what I’m trying to do and to sign my petition, click here:
http://www.change.org/petitions/wtc-heroes-are-being-denied
It’ll just take a minute!
Please ask your friends to sign the petition as well.