Rest easy now Claire

In 2006 at the  age of 42, I was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic  colorectal cancer. I was told that this is a form of cancer in the upper GI tract, but very rare to be found in a man of my young age at such an advanced stage. I was told that treatment would not cure me, it would only help me live longer.Talk about crushing news!My wife and I sat in the car and cried and I asked her what did I ever do to deserve this. I worked numerous tours of duty at the WTC, I ate food and unknowingly inhaled toxic substances while working. At no time while working at the WTC site was I ever instructed to wear a breathing apparatus, nor was I told that the air was unhealthy. 
On July 11th, 2006, I had major surgery to remove two tumerous parts of my small colon and have radiation ablation on the large tumor in my liver. Before my surgery, I had four chemotherapy treatments, and was in the emergency room three times to be treated for dehydration before finally having to go on an all liquid diet and intravenous feeding. I have a wife, Greta, and two young children, Garrett and Amelia, who have seen my health worsen since participating in the WTC recovery. My favorite things in life are slowly being taken away from me. My work, food, helping others and caring for my family.

PO Robert Helmke - Story
Garrett Helmke - a son's story 

After trying a number of different jobs, John McNamara found his life's calling when he became a New York City Firefighter in 1999. First assigned to Engine 220 in Park Slope, he worked at Ladder 123 in Crown Heights during 2001, and eventually returned to the house to work in Engine 234. John spent over 500 hours digging in the rubble at the World Trade Center site after 9/11. He was also one of the first to respond to Katrina. In June 2006, John was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, a cancer his doctors believed to be directly related to his work at the WTC site. His wife was 4 months pregnant at the time of diagnosis. John struggled with his illness for over 3 years before he died in August of 2009.  John was an advocate for other sick 9/11 responders and worked even when he was sick to try and get people the help they needed. He was the founder of the New York City Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation and worked closely with the Fealgood Foundation to help pass the James Zadroga Bill. The essence of John could never be understood in just a short biography, suffice it to say he was a giant. He was a man who cared about others even more than he cared about himself. He was a loving and devoted husband to Jennifer and an amazing and dedicated father to Jack.

 John McNamara  Story 1  Story 2  Video
Jennifer McNamara   fights on  Video

Gregory Quibble Of North Babylon, L,I. , who was stricken with leukemia and pulmonary fibrosis after logging in hundreds of hours at Ground Zero, died Wednesday night, his family said. "He stepped in and he did what he had to do," said Quibell's sister, Susan Zava. "He always told us he'd do it again without even thinking - in a heartbeat." "He truly died a hero," she said. "He loved his country."Quibell worked at Ground Zero for 22 days after the terror attacks, shuttling firefighters to and from The World Trade Center while the smoldering debris spewed toxins into the air. According to state Correction Department records, he logged 242 hours at the site between Sept. 12 and Nov. 22, 2001 . "We're forgetting these men served this country seven years ago, before there was a war," said producer John Feal, who began the FealGood Foundation to draw attention to the health problems of hundreds of ailing Ground Zero workers.  Rep. Carolyn Maloney a sponsor of the legislation, called Quibell's death a tragedy. "Greg's friends and loved ones should be incredibly proud of his service to our country," said Maloney

Greg Quibell - Video

Born on October 14, 1965 in the Bronx, NY to Irish immigrant parents Patrick and Mary Rooney, the first-born of four children.  He was raised on Long Island, in Deer Park.   Phil graduated from St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip where he excelled in ice hockey.  Phil followed in the footsteps of his father and became a Carpenter, joining Local 608-District Council of Carpenters.  In January 1990 he began his Civil Service career and began working as a carpenter for the New York City Dept of Transportation.  In 1995, Phil married Patricia Tigreros and they went on to have three children -- Brett, Julia and Erin.  On September 11th  Phil was sent to work rescue and recovery alongside uniformed personnel and served the City of New York Bravely he continued to work at Ground Zero for countless 12-hour shifts in the weeks and months that followed, doing work as he was instructed in the recovery and clean-up effort.  On February 10, 2004 he was diagnosed with Leukemia, a blood cancer.  He fought this disease so valiantly, always more worried about how his wife and his children were doing.  The suffering he endured during his three-year battle with Leukemia was unimaginable and though he fought his battle with unmatched dignity, he succumbed to this horrific illness on March 1, 2007,  He left behind his wife, his three young children (who at that time were only 10, 8 and 4 years of age), his parents, his brothers James Rooney and Alan Rooney, his sister Linda Rooney, and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.  The lives of Phil's family and friends are forever changed now, nothing will ever be the same again ... and he is lovingly missed each and every day.

Philip Patrick Rooney - Fighting Irish Story

(January 17, 1966 – November 5, 2007)
Sgt. Michael W. Ryan passed away on November 5, 2007, the result of three different forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Michael was 41 years old.  He had been a NYC Police Officer for over twenty years.   September 11, 2001 was a day off from work for Michael   As soon as he learned of the attacks on the World Trade Center, Michael responded to his command, the 114th Precinct Detective Squad in Astoria, Queens, gathered the Detectives he supervised and reported to lower Manhattan for assignment.   Michael and his subordinates assisted in the evacuation of lower Manhattan escorting and directing the civilian public across the Brooklyn Bridge.

In the immediate aftermath, September 12th, Michael was assigned to the Morgue.   The following day began Michael began an arduous routine that would extend for many months thereafter.  Michael was assigned to the Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island.   Fresh Kills operations involved sifting through, the seemingly endless, tons of debris removed from the World Trade Center Site in search of evidence and human remains.   Michael, and many others from the NYPD never complained, working twelve hour shifts under the most grueling conditions performing this most gruesome but essential work.

In May of 2006, Michael sought medical attention for a persistent sore throat ailment.   The physician prescribed an antibiotic, assuming a simple infection was the cause.   Two weeks later a large lump formed on Michael’s neck.   A biopsy revealed a small lymphoctic lymphoma.   Michael began chemotherapy in response.  

Within two weeks a large mass the size of a softball had developed in Michael’s armpit.   Biopsy determined this to be a large B-cell lymphoma.   Doctors were puzzled with this new development in Michael’s condition and initiated an aggressive treatment plan.   As a result, Michael lost his hair and his medications left him extremely bloated.   Despite the harsh side effects of his treatment and medications, Michael never lost hope.

After this period of aggressive treatment, a pet scan was conducted to determine if, as we desperately hoped, his cancer had gone into remission.   The results were not what we had hoped for.   In addition, Michael had now developed a new lump on his neck.    Biopsy showed this to be yet another cancer – mantle cell.   This news was devastating.   Despite the prognosis Michael remained hopeful and soldiered on with his treatment.   

The next step in his treatment would require a bone marrow transplant.    We had one measure of good fortunate, finding his sister as a perfect match.    Michael spent the next four weeks in Sloan-Kettering enduring a bone marrow transplant and another round of chemo and radiation therapy.   After experiencing this living hell, Michael returned home to recuperate, optimistic and confident that he would ultimately conquer this dreaded disease. 

In August 2007 a pet scan delivered heart-breaking news – his cancer had returned.   The only option that remained for Michael was a course of major chemo-therapy.    Ever the courageous fighter, Michael never gave up.  The Lord however, had other plans for Michael and his struggle ended on November 5, 2007.    His four children and I will never forget this special man who knowingly faced hazards to his own health and made ultimate sacrifice for all of us.   He will be forever in our hearts - may he rest in peace. 

Video Interview with Mike Ryan, a Dying 9/11 First Responder