Barasch & McGarry Recognizes Lymphoma Awareness Month

September is Lymphoma Awareness Month.

The half a million first responders and survivors who were working, living, and studying in Lower Manhattan on and after 9/11 have a higher risk of developing respiratory illness and 69 different types of cancer from their exposure to Ground Zero toxins, including lymphoma.

Barasch & McGarry represents nearly 1,200 9/11 community members who have been diagnosed with lymphoma.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 80,550 Americans in 2023 will be diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma –  among the most common forms of cancer.

The key risk factors for lymphoma include old age, immune disorders, previous cancer treatment, organ transplant, and exposure to radiation or harmful chemicals such as Ground Zero toxins.

People with a high risk of lymphoma should share this information with their primary health care provider and stay alert to the symptoms.

Common symptoms include an enlarged spleen or liver, enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen, groin, neck, or underarms, a fever that cannot be explained by an infection or other illness, unexplained weight loss, sweating and chills, fatigue, and itchy skin.

Remember that if you are diagnosed with 9/11-related lymphoma, your family medical history and pre-existing conditions will not affect your eligibility for free health care or compensation. 

If you were there in Lower Manhattan, the government presumes your cancer was the result of exposure to Ground Zero toxins.

If you are diagnosed with lymphoma or any other 9/11-related cancers or respiratory illnesses, Barasch & McGarry can help you access resources through the free World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

The health program provides comprehensive medical care to 9/11 victims for their 9/11-related illnesses.

The victim fund offers tax-free awards for pain and suffering, lost earnings, and benefits for surviving spouses and family members.

For the WTC Health Program, the exposure zone consists of all of Manhattan below Houston Street and parts of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO in Brooklyn.

For the 9/11 VCF, the exposure zone includes the area of Manhattan south of Canal Street and west of Clinton Street.

If you were exposed to Ground Zero toxins, you should know your health status.

Protect yourself and your family. And early diagnosis could save your life.

Barasch & McGarry, Lawyers for the 9/11 Community, represents more than 35,000 members of the 9/11 community.

Visit 911victims.com or call 212-385-8000 today.