New reports show that nearly 10,000 New Yorkers have been diagnosed with 9/11 health issues from the toxic dust which was released as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

According to a recent article in The Sun, 9,795 New York residents, including first responders, have been diagnosed with 9/11 health issues. In total, 1,700 of that number have died from 9/11 health issues, including 420 deaths due to related cancers.

“9/11 is still killing,” said John Feal, an outspoken advocate for first responders experiencing 9/11 health issues, speaking to The Sun. “Sadly, this fragile community of heroes and survivors is shrinking by the day.”

Due to the latency period associated with exposure to toxic chemicals and materials, many of those who were exposed to toxic dust during and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks are only now developing 9/11 health issues such as cancer.

Since the World Trade Center Health Program began tracking 9/11 health issues in 2013, the number of affected individuals has been rapidly increasing.

“We get these referrals 15 to 20 times a week,” said medical director of the WTC Health Program, Dr. Michael Crane, speaking to The Sun.

One New Yorker and former NYPD Sgt Tom W. was a first responder to the terrorist attacks, manning the Brooklyn Bridge as individuals fled from Manhattan. Tom worked 344 hours at Ground Zero in the following months searching the toxic rubble for remains.

Years later in 2008, Tom developed aggressive tongue cancer along with stomach and sinus issues. Doctors had to cut off a third of his tongue to combat the cancer and replaced it with a skin graft using tissue from his wrist. He now experiences chronic pain and will eventually need a reconstructed jaw, likely using bone from his leg or shoulder.

Despite his grueling experiences with 9/11 health issues, Tom says he hasn’t lost his dedication to public service. “God forbid there’s another 9/11, I want to be able to respond to that,” Wilson told The Sun.

Another New Yorker, Debbie M., was 23 years old at the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “There are things I saw I can never undo,” she said, sobbing.

At that time, she was a receptionist for the National Coffee Association and spent weeks recovering dust covered paperwork for herself and her colleagues. Eight years after the attacks, Debbie suffered from two seizures at work leading to her diagnosis of advanced brain cancer.

“I’m fearful about everything since 9/11. I was never like that before,” Debbie said. “I feel that thing just took everything away.”

Countless New Yorkers like Tom and Debbie are struggling with 9/11 health issues as a result of their exposure to toxic dust and chemicals after the terrorist attacks. Although individuals in this situation may feel as if there is no end in sight, there are numerous programs which can help provide healthcare resources and financial aid for those struggling.

The September 11^th Victims Compensation Fund is one such program and offers financial compensation to individuals or the families of deceased individuals who developed 9/11 health issues.

Although an attorney is not required to participate in the Fund, an experienced legal professional can assist you in navigating the process claims process and ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation for your 9/11 health issues.