Imagine hearing a faint echo of uncertainty in every heartbeat. That’s the reality for retired FDNY Deputy Chief Richard Alles and attorney Michael Barasch, who fought bravely on the frontlines during 9⁄11. Diagnosed with prostate cancer, both men point to the toxic dust they were exposed to on that fateful day. “It’s not a question of if but when you’re going to get sick,” Alles shared with Scripps News Group, encapsulating the lived experience of those enmeshed in the aftermath of 9⁄11.
Lifesaving Care on the Line
The World Trade Center Health Program, a federal initiative established under the James Zadroga Act, has long been a lifeline for over 130,000 first responders and survivors. According to Scripps News, the program offers free health examinations and treatment critical for those battling 9⁄11-related illnesses. However, as February unfolds, the reality of budget cuts hangs over the program like a storm cloud threatening to disrupt the continuity of care and leave thousands hanging in the balance.
The Ripple Effect of Cuts
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has orchestrated major cuts impacting not just resources but the spirit of hope that binds this resilient community. The program saw the departure of hundreds of employees, including its crucial administrator—restored only after public outcry.
Michael Barasch, who leads from his office near Ground Zero, voices concerns, “You’re risking creating great delays in getting an appointment.” This interruption could be life-threatening for many like his former client, NYPD officer James Zadroga, whose death highlights the grim legacy of 9⁄11 toxins now linked to at least 69 cancers.
Awareness and Advocacy on the Road
The battle isn’t just systemic; it’s deeply personal. Everything from awareness campaigns to the stringent need for legislative reinforcement is spearheaded by voices like Alles and Barasch. Their work brings light to the neglected narratives of civilians—hundreds of thousands of whom might not even know they qualify for the program.
Rallying for Reinstatement
Even the 2015 reauthorization of the program under Barack Obama until 2090 is not an absolute guarantee. Barasch, reiterating on Scripps News Group, stresses that “cuts should not victimize the 9⁄11 community.” Traveling across the country, they continue to rally civilian enrollment and beseech Congress to ensure the program’s longevity and shield it from future fiscal axes.
A Call for Action
Despite financial constraints, the urgency to secure enduring funding reverberates. “We have a program that works, benefiting Americans,” echoes Alles. Their plea is clear—preserve this legacy not as a historical footnote but as an ongoing commitment to health justice for every hero and survivor.
In the shadows of political decision-making lies a poignant reminder: admiration for courage must translate into actionable support, lest we risk diminishing their legacies into merely tales of yesterday.
