Six giant stone monoliths were recently installed on the National September 11 Memorial & Museum plaza to honor those who died from September 11 cancer, while many continue to suffer these ailments.

These monoliths honor hundreds of first responders, residents, and office workers who died from diseases reportedly caused by the toxic substances released on 9/11 when the World Trade Center was attacked in 2001.

Benjamin Chevet, executive director of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act, told Newsday these monoliths have been named the 9/11 Memorial Glade and are meant to “recognize the health impact of 9/11 that caused cancer, death and disabilities.’’

Chevet stated the monoliths will be officially dedicated on May 30, 2019, and that they will remind people of the importance of the 9/11 compensation fund.

The 9/11 Victim’s Compensation Fund is supposed to provide tax free financial assistance for people who have suffered losses due to 9/11 related illnesses, like cancer. This also includes compensation for families who have lost loved ones, and can cover different costs like funeral expenses and lost earnings.

However, this fund was recently cut by the federal government.

Overview of 9/11 Cancer Aftermath

Along with people who were directly exposed to the toxic substances as first responders, numerous other people were exposed to toxic substances during the eight month clean up period. During the months of clean up, thousands of people came from all over the country to remove two million tons of debris from collapsed buildings.

Over one million people were exposed to substances like burnt jet fuel, aluminum, asbestos, and glass during this time–increasing significantly the amount of people exposed to dangerous chemicals, ultimately resulting in growing numbers of cases of September 11 cancer.

The people who may have been victimized by the toxic substances from the 9/11 terrorist attacks include, but are not limited to:

• 9/11 First Responders
• Firefighters, Police Officers, and EMTs
• Sanitation Workers
• Construction Workers
• Police Officers
• Utility Workers
• Cleaners
• Individuals working, living and attending school below Canal Street

September 11 Cancers

There have been over 70 different types of cancer linked to the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 93,028 survivors and responders have enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program, which paid out $5 billion for approximately 21,000 claims.

The 9/11 Victim’s compensation fund was originally established from 2001 to 2003, with the fund later reopened in 2011 after people continued to file claims of September 11 cancer. The program was extended to last until December 2020.

Thousands of victims have already applied to the 9/11 Victim’s compensation fund, which originally contained $7.35 billion to help compensate any person or their loved ones who experienced physical harm after suffering the effects of these health problems. But funds will soon come to an end.

Chevat noted that between 400 to 500 people a month depending on the program are experiencing September 11 benefit cuts. Chevat further stated that if the $7 billion fund is not restored, thousands of people and their families will lose this vital financial assistance and many others wanting to enroll will be “zeroed out.”