New York thoracic surgeon: "For many patients 9/11 is not over"
4 days ago
- Retired NYPD officer John Aris visited his surgeon for a CT scan and was relieved to hear his cancer had not returned.
- A new moment of silence at the 25th anniversary ceremony will honor those who died from 9/11-related illnesses after the attacks.
- John recalled friends who died years after exposure to ground zero from cancers and respiratory illnesses, highlighting the ongoing grief.
- Retired firefighter William Corrar developed esophageal cancer, initially dismissing symptoms as aging, linked to his ground zero work.
- The surgeon, Raja Flores, personally witnessed the attacks and later treated many responders and residents for exposure-related diseases.
- The toxic dust at ground zero contained hazardous substances, and over 140,000 responders and survivors are enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program.
- Tens of thousands have developed linked conditions, with over 8,000 enrolled members having died, and the toll continues to grow.
- The article emphasizes that the impact of 9/11 extends beyond the day itself, affecting survivors and families for decades.
- Doctors cannot prove a single exposure caused an individual's cancer, but population studies support the link between ground zero exposure and disease.
- For many, September 11 is not over; it is a long-term health crisis that persists 25 years later.