I don't understand how 9/11 can turn into a political football every several years, as first responders from the tragic events of September 11, 2001 must come to Congress and beg for continued funding for a fund that helps pay for their medical treatments. This fund has to be renewed every few years.
Earlier this month, a man by the name of Luis Alvarez came and testified. He was dying of colorectal cancer, having undergone 68 chemo treatments. It is estimated some 50,000 people are or have suffered from exposure to 9/11 dust or chemicals.
Alvarez was a New York City policeman, at one time serving on their bomb squad. Not only did he respond on 9/11 but he worked on a human chain of people, day after day, who tried to recover what was left of the dead. I had connections to some of these dead, and I know some of my readers had a connection, too.
Alverez went into hospice care after his testimony. He passed away yesterday at the age of 53.
Faithful unto death.
Rest in peace.
Peace to all those who rushed to the aid of others without regard to their own safety on that awful day and every day. After all, every day is a "9/11" for someone somewhere. I am lost in admiration and gratitude.
ReplyDeleteYou do not want me to climb onto my soapbox right now, I might not come down for awhile ... So I’ll just honor the memory of Mr. Alvarez and the colleagues for whom he advocated.
ReplyDeleteMay he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteSad. At the time they worried about what might be in the air. It's hard to fathom with all we know now why the government wouldn't just automatically renew this. Well, not really...
ReplyDeleteVery sad. I think the government should give all these heroes access to the Veterans Association medical facilities. They served when we were attacked.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me extremely angry every time first responders have to ask for money for things like that. My husband is a volunteer firefighter, and I never had any idea before we met hoe incredibly underfunded they are.
ReplyDeleteAlana,
ReplyDeleteHow sad that funds have to be approved. Those who give the most, suffer the greatest and it shouldn't be that way. I get angry when the government is quick or so it seems to give handouts to the unworthy of the money or to give out free needles to junkies or cell service to the homeless or free passage for illegals instead of taking care of those who worked the hardest. May Luis RIP and may God bless his family.