My brother David was one of the brave individuals at Ground Zero, helping with both rescue and cleanup operations after the devastating attacks on September 11, 2001. Today, he is painfully fighting his battles against five different types of cancer - from head, neck, right and left lung (which sadly is at stage 4), to the latest one, pancreatic cancer.

David's story is not unique. According to the World Trade Center Health Program, over 3,900 members have been diagnosed with 9/11-related cancers as of 2019 (NBC New York, 2019). Tragically, many others who valiantly served are no longer with us due to similar health complications precipitated by the carcinogenic aftermath.

Current regulations within the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund necessitate hard-lined proof of presence at Ground Zero. Given the difficult circumstances, this demand is often arduous, and may be impossible for many victims who have since passed. Unique conditions require unique adjustments. We are therefore urging Congress to amend the rules of this Fund to allow photographs and federal documents as acceptable forms of proof.

This change will substantively alter the lives of the heroes like David and their families, bestowing upon them the support they ought to have in dealing with the grave health repercussions of their selfless service. It is our duty to aid those who risked it all when we needed them the most. Please, sign this petition to honour their sacrifices and to make a tangible difference in their lives.