Don't Abandon 9/11 First Responders
On September 11th 2001, first responders raced into contaminated rubble and toxic air to mount a truly heroic rescue effort. More than a decade later, those 9/11 first responders are still facing the devastating health effects of those rescue efforts.
First responders facing cancer and respiratory disease are still waiting for the federal victim compensation funds meant to assist them with massive treatment costs.
Congress has promised to aid 9/11 cancer patients, and it's all our responsibility to make sure they keep that promise. As it stands now--the victim compensation fund is stretched too thin to help all those who need it.
Often too sick to work, many first responders struggle to pay copays for cancer treatments. Money has not been added to the budget to cover cancer cases, many of which will appear long past the 2016 compensation deadline.
Urge Congress to make good on their promise to ensure all 9/11 first responders can afford the treatment they need.
Dear U.S. Congress,
The 9/11 rescue workers suffering from respiratory illness, post traumatic stress disorder, and cancer shouldn't have to wait for their rightful federal compensation.
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act is sorely underfunded, leaving first responders still struggling to afford treatment for conditions caused by their heroic rescue efforts.
I urge you to ensure the victims of 9/11's toxic debris and contaminated air don't just receive a broken promise of federal compensation, but are able to avoid drowning in medical bills, care costs, and illnesses that they acquired while performing emergency rescue services.
Over 1,000 first responders have died due to 9/11-related illnesses--and many more are still struggling and being diagnosed with conditions they cannot handle alone. Don't leave 9/11 emergency workers with a bill that the federal government should have picked up years ago.
[Your comments will be added here.]
Compensate 9/11 first responders for the respiratory disease and cancer they contracted during their brave rescue efforts!
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
