Another 9/11 first responder has died from cancer associated with the toxins from the terrible attacks.

This time, it’s Luis Alvarez, a retired New York City Police Detective. Alvarez testified before Congress just last month alongside Jon Stewart, as they asked Congress to provide more funding for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

When Alvarez testified, he was sickly and gaunt. About to undergo his 69th round of chemotherapy to treat his colorectal cancer, he still appeared before Congress to testify in front of the House Judiciary subcommittee. He was determined to make sure these legislators hear him—and to make sure that others in a similar position to him are well taken care of.

“You made me come down here the day before my 69th round of chemo and I’m going to make sure that you never forget to take care of the 9/11 first responders,” Alvarez said, according to Time.

The day after Alvarez testified, doctors found that his liver was failing, causing disorientation. Alvarez subsequently chose to enter hospice care.

Even after he was done testifying, Alvarez continued to speak out on Facebook. “I will continue to fight until the Good Lord decides it’s time,” he wrote on his page. “I will try to do a few more interviews to keep a light on our fight for the VCF benefits we all justly deserve. Please take care of yourselves and each other.”

Unfortunately, the Alvarez family confirmed that Luis passed away at the end of June. His cancer, like that of many other 9/11 first responders, was associated with exposure to dangerous toxins at Ground Zero.

For many, it has taken years to develop symptoms of these cancers, and many are only now being diagnosed. This means that there are many first responders and others who were exposed at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the attacks who did not know that they would need to apply for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund—indeed, who may not even have been diagnosed yet, now nearly 18 years after the events of 9/11.

The Fate of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund has been available off and on since the 2001 attacks. It was last renewed in 2015 by President Barack Obama, but is currently set to expire in 2020 if it is not renewed once more. With the current incarnation of the fund running low, people have begun receiving lower compensation amounts.

If you were diagnosed with one of more than 70 types of cancer after exposure to toxins at Ground Zero, you may be eligible for money from the Victim Compensation Fund. Navigating the paperwork and deadlines to qualify for compensation can be complicated and difficult, but consulting an experienced attorney can help maximize your potential compensation.

Compensation from the fund can help with pain and suffering, lost earnings, medical expenses, wrongful death, and more.