I know that everything happens for a reason, but as 9/11 nears I can't help but be upset.
I worked a few blocks from the World Trade Center and was there on that horrific day and watched as the second plane hit and stared unbelievably as the two buildings collapsed.
So many deaths on that day. Those innocent people that worked in the WTC, those innocent passengers that were on the planes that day, and all the brave and innocent emergency workers, firemen, policemen and EMTs. All those precious souls gone within a few minutes.
However that was not all, many people fell ill due to the debris and contaminated air. Many innocent people developed cancer and other illnesses due to their exposure to 9/11 air. I myself was there working in downtown Manhattan every day as the cleanup and rebuilding took place.
As I sit here and reflect, I think about myself, with no history of cancer in my family and no risk factors for cancer. Yet I sit here on my recliner, overcome with fatigue and nausea, fighting stage 4 Lung cancer which I was diagnosed with while still being treated for breast cancer. Knowing that both of those cancers have been linked to 9/11 make me wonder.
I know I am lucky to be doing well, but I can't help but be bitter that there may be some link between the terrorist attack that shocked the world and my cancer.
Rant over!
Dearest Gila, I think about you all the time. Still hoping and praying that you make a complete and speedy recovery. Is it ok to call or visit you? Whatever you are comfortable with.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of that...you have a good point there, Gila. A sad, frustrating, life-altering good point. Tefillos continue, babe!
ReplyDeleteI never thought of that...you have a good point there, Gila. A sad, frustrating, life-altering good point. Tefillos continue, babe!
ReplyDeleteDo you know about this?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/16/9-11-death-toll-rising-496214.html
"those directly exposed to the World Trade Center disaster who can prove they lived or worked in the area between September 11, 2001, and July 31, 2002, when the cleanup ended, can receive free treatment for a growing list of illnesses linked to the 9/11 attacks. In December, Congress reauthorized a bill to provide free medical services and treatment to responders and survivors of September 11 for the rest of their lives. In fiscal 2016, Congress will spend $330 million on the program. That number will gradually rise to $570 million by 2025."
The list of diseases:
http://www.cdc.gov/wtc/conditions.html
Thanks Diana, I applied to the fund. I am fortunate that my medical bills are covered 100%, but I hope that they will pick up the cab costs to and from the doctors.
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