22 years later, the fight continues for those battling 9/11-related illnesses
NEW YORK -- Monday will be a somber day as we remember all the lives lost 22 years ago on 9/11, and it's also a time to remember those who are struggling with 9/11-related illnesses.
"We advocate 364 days out of the year. We take that one day off to stop the advocacy to pay respect to those who died on 9/11," 9/11 responder advocate John Feal said.
Twenty-two years later and the pain from those who lost loved ones on 9/11 is still raw, and the fight for those who are still battling illnesses continues.
"There's now over 27,000 certified people with a 9/11-certified cancer," Feal said.
Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives during the terror attacks on that fateful September day, and over 5,000 more have died from 9/11-related illnesses since, including those who worked, lived and went to school in Lower Manhattan.
"The numbers continue to grow," Feal said.
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Feal worked at Ground Zero days after the attack.
"Eight thousand pounds of steel crushed my left foot. I would up spending 11 weeks in the hospital," he said. "My injury, while gruesome and horrific, pales in comparison to those who got sick and died."
The 56-year-old says he had to fight for his own benefits and that's why he became an advocate for 9/11 first responders, most recently working with comedian Jon Stewart to secure federal health funding for those impacted by the tragedy.
"Three hundred and fifty-plus trips to D.C., over 2,300 meetings,," Feal said. "The bills we got passed in Congress don't save lives, but it gives people a fighting chance."
He also helped push for the 9/11 Glade and the Memorial and Museum site that honors those who are sick or died from 9/11 illnesses like cancer. He also opened a 9/11 Responders Remembered park on Long Island.
"We have an obligation to continue to tell those stories of those who get sick and die," Feal said.
On this September night, the 9/11 Memorial continues to be a tribute to the victims, honors the survivors and is a beacon of hope for those who visit.
"To the children who lost a parent in the building that day or a cop or a firefighter, those who ran into harm's way, never stop talking about your loved one," Feal said.
- Related story: 2 more 9/11 victims identified using advanced DNA testing
This weekend, authorities were able to identify the remains of two victims killed on 9/11 with the help of advanced DNA technology. More than 1,000 human remains from that day 22 years ago have yet to be identified.
The ceremony will be at the 9/11 Memorial at 8:30 a.m. Monday. CBS New York will go on the air at 8:25 a.m. and bring the observances to you live.