Following the extension of the 9/11 cancer compensation fund earlier this year, many victims who have been recently diagnosed with cancer due to the toxins released by the attacks have applied for settlements through the fund.

Ellie B. of Philadelphia recently applied to the 9/11 cancer compensation fund after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, in addition to other health concerns. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers associated with 9/11 toxin exposure, along with skin cancer and prostate cancer.

Ellie reportedly worked as an occupational safety and health specialist for Con Ed in New York at the time of the 9/11 attacks and believes that her symptoms are due to her exposure to toxins in the air released during the attacks.

Ellie and thousands of other workers were unknowingly exposed to harmful toxins and chemicals while working in the rubble after the attacks. Approximately 400,000 people are estimated to have been exposed to dangerous toxins and may be suffering the effects of these poisons almost two decades after 9/11.

According to Ellie, her exposure to these toxins resulted in permanent chronic pain, as well as aggressive breast cancer. In an interview with CBS Local Philadelphia, Ellie said, “I’m in chronic pain. I will be in chronic pain for the rest of my life.”

Despite her injuries, and although she requires a service dog to aid her with her daily tasks, Ellie is still grateful for what she has. “A lot of people did a lot worse — I think about 5,000 of us or more have already died,” she said. “So I’m very grateful for what I’ve regained.”

Background on the 9/11 Cancer Compensation Fund

Earlier this year, the 9/11 cancer compensation fund was extended after a lack of funding led fund administrators to release a statement notifying potential victims that any future claims would be paid out at a fraction of the previous values. On July 29, 2019, the fund was extended until 2090 and the funding was replenished.

According to experts, the total number of people who will die from 9/11 cancers and other conditions will outnumber the approximately 3,000 victims who died on the day of the attacks.  Although approximately 400,000 people are expected to have been affected by the dust and toxins released in the aftermath of the attacks, only a fraction of these potential victims have applied for compensation through the fund.

Victims who have been diagnosed with over 70 types of cancer may qualify for settlements through the fund, including compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and future medical care. People who may qualify to apply to the 9/11 cancer compensation fund include those who lived, worked, or went to school near the site of the attacks during the year following 9/11.

Cancers that qualify under the fund include lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, kidney cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer, and dozens more. These cancers must have been diagnosed at least four years following exposure to the toxins, except for blood and bone cancers, which must have been diagnosed at least one year after exposure.