More than 17 years after the devastating September 11 attacks, victims are still suffering. Many first responders who worked in hazardous conditions at Ground Zero are now being diagnosed with a variety of dangerous cancers, which in thousands of cases have proven fatal.

In one recent such case, Suffolk Police Detective Stephen Mullen died from September 11 cancer this last month at the age of 55, according to Newsday. He left behind his wife of 27 years and his two sons, as well as his parents and three brothers.

Said his wife, Patricia Mullen, in a statement: “Stephen was the type of person that if you needed anything, he would be there in any way possible. He could always be counted on. He is an absolutely wonderful person and my life and the lives of our sons have been forever changed. I will miss my husband every day. He has been my life and my rock. I will miss and love him always.”

The specific type of September 11 cancer Mullen was diagnosed and eventually died from was salivary cancer.  At the time of his death, Mullen had served in the Suffolk police department for 26 years. After the horrific events of September 11, Mullen worked at Ground Zero with countless other first responders for two days.

Mullen is one of many first responders who have suffered from the effects of exposure to deadly toxins at Ground Zero, often leading to September 11 cancer. “The effects of the Sept. 11 attacks are still being felt by first responders,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart, according to Newsday. “Detective Stephen Mullen responded to lower Manhattan to assist in the aftermath and he made the ultimate sacrifice. He was dedicated to serving the people of Suffolk County for more than 25 years and his contributions will be missed by the department.”

September 11 Cancer Compensation

After the September 11 attacks, money was made available to compensate injured victims and their families through a number of outlets, including the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Initially, these funds were intended to compensate those who suffered from physical injuries in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, or the families of those who perished in those early days.

But now, more than 17 years later, a whole new slew of victims are being diagnosed with September 11 cancer linked to exposure to harmful toxins in the air at Ground Zero. Indeed, while thousands of people were killed in the attacks themselves, thousands more are now being diagnosed with September 11 cancer.

Types of September 11 cancer eligible for compensation include lung, prostate, melanoma, leukemia, and brain cancer, along with dozens of others. Eligibility requires that the September 11 cancer was diagnosed at least four years after exposure, except in the case of blood and bone cancers, which must have been diagnosed at least one year after exposure.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an eligible September 11 cancer, or has died due to such an illness, you may be able to gain compensation.