A former NYPD detective recently passed away due to 9/11 cancer after pushing through his pain and advocating for his fellow first responders.

According to reports, Dennis M. passed away days after being admitted to hospice care. Dennis was diagnosed with cancer in his tongue and throat in 2017. In June, he was told that his cancer had spread to his liver, lymph nodes, and bones. He reportedly underwent 56 chemotherapy treatments, 60 radiation treatments, and 2 surgeries as a part of his treatment.

Like many first responders struggling with 9/11 cancer, Dennis was concerned about the welfare of his surviving family.

“It’s a worry of mine about the fiscal and financial wellbeing of my family after I pass away,” Dennis said while on a trip to Capitol Hill in June to urge lawmakers to extend funds to first responders and their families. “If the roof needs to be repaired, there’s money there to repair the roof. If I’m not around I won’t be able to paint the house anymore. She’s going to have to hire someone to paint the house.”

Denis told reporters that this concern motivated his fight to have 9/11 compensation made available to first responders. Despite facing a terminal illness, Dennis made the trip to Washington D.C. in order to advocate for the reauthorization of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.

Before he passed, Dennis got his wish when he saw Congress and President Donald Trump permanently reauthorize the compensation fund. Under the reauthorization, first responders who develop cancer and other illnesses in connection with their 9/11 rescue and recovery efforts will be able to recover compensation for their injuries.

One of Dennis’ friends, a fellow NYPD officer and his attorney, told New York Daily News that Dennis passed away surrounded by people who loved him at a gathering which felt “like a celebration of his life.” Dennis is survived by his wife and two children.

9/11 Cancer Compensation

When the 9/11 terrorist attacks hit New York and other locations, thousands of people were exposed to dangerous debris. First responders, residents, and victims were reportedly exposed to asbestos, lead, and pulverized concrete during and after the attacks. This has reportedly resulted in serious long term health consequences including the development of cancer.

In order to help people struggling with 9/11 cancer and other illnesses, the government established the World Trade Center Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. If someone has an illness or cancer certified by the World Trade Center Health Program, they file a claim to receive compensation for their injury.

Congress and the President reauthorized the Victim Compensation Fund this summer following strong advocacy by comedian Jon Stewart and others. According to the BBC, the reauthorization funds the VCF through 2090, allowing all first responders, victims, and families affected by 9/11 to get the compensation they need.

Although the fund was previously funded through 2020, an influx in claims caused concerns about the fund running out before its scheduled end. In order to compensate for this, payouts to 9/11 victims were set to decrease up to 70 percent. With the new and permanent reauthorization, payments will not be limited by funding or time.