Cancer

Today, we honor the extraordinary legacy of NYPD Detective Luis G. Alvarez, a 9/11 hero whose testimony persuaded Congress to establish permanent compensation benefits for 9/11 victims and their families, on the sixth anniversary of his passing. Detective Alvarez, who appeared before Congress with comedian and 9/11 advocate Jon Stewart, died only 18 days later, of colorectal cancer he […]

June is National Cancer Survivors Month. There are more than 17 million cancer survivors in the United States today, including thousands of 9/11 community members. If you are diagnosed with any 9/11-related cancer or respiratory illness, Barasch & McGarry can help you access resources through the free World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).  […]

Today, June 11, we remember the sixth anniversary of NYPD Detective Luis Alvarez testifying in Congress, where he successfully advocated for permanent free health care and compensation benefits for 9/11 victims and their families. A 9/11 hero, Detective Alvarez appeared before Congress weakened by the colorectal cancer he developed from his exposure to Ground Zero toxins at […]

May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. Anyone who was exposed to Ground Zero toxins on or during the eight months following 9/11 has a significantly higher risk of developing 69 different types of cancer, including bladder cancer. A report from the American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 85,000  Americans will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2025. […]

If you were in the 9/11 exposure zones and have been diagnosed with any of 69 cancers and many respiratory illnesses, you have the right – protected by federal law – to file a claim with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The fund provides compensation for pain and suffering, as well as economic losses […]

Even if you have already received an award from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, you or your family may become eligible for additional awards in the future if you are certified with new 9/11 illnesses. Follow John’s story below. 2012 $20,000 — John, a Goldman Sachs office worker in 2001, was exposed to 9/11 toxic […]