Barasch & McGarry Recognizes Lymphoma Awareness Month

September is Lymphoma Awareness Month.

The half a million first responders and survivors who were working, living, and studying in Lower Manhattan on and after 9/11 have a higher risk of developing respiratory illness and 69 different types of cancer from their exposure to Ground Zero toxins, including lymphoma.

Barasch & McGarry represents more than 1,300 9/11 community members who have been diagnosed with lymphoma.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 80,620 Americans in 2024 will be diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma –  among the most common forms of cancer.

The key risk factors for lymphoma include old age, immune disorders, previous cancer treatment, organ transplant, and exposure to radiation or harmful chemicals such as Ground Zero toxins.

People with a high risk of lymphoma should share this information with their primary health care provider and stay alert to the symptoms.

Common symptoms include an enlarged spleen or liver, enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen, groin, neck, or underarms, a fever that cannot be explained by an infection or other illness, unexplained weight loss, sweating and chills, fatigue, and itchy skin.

If you are diagnosed with lymphoma or any other 9/11-related cancers or respiratory illnesses, Barasch & McGarry can help you access resources through the free World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). 

The health program provides comprehensive medical care to 9/11 victims for their 9/11-related illnesses.

The victim fund offers tax-free awards for pain and suffering, lost earnings, and benefits for surviving spouses and family members.

Your family medical history and pre-existing conditions will not affect your eligibility for free health care or compensation. 

For the health program, the exposure zone consists of all of Manhattan below Houston Street and parts of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO in Brooklyn.

For the compensation fund, the exposure zone includes the area of Manhattan south of Canal Street and west of Clinton Street.

Early detection could save your life. Protect yourself and your family.

Barasch & McGarry can help you register with the 9/11 VCF or enroll in the WTC Health Program. Please contact us by visiting 911victims.com or calling 212-385-8000.

If you prefer to register or enroll directly with the 9/11 VCF or the WTC Health Program, visit vcf.gov or cdc.gov/wtc.

Barasch & McGarry, Lawyers for the 9/11 Community, represents more than 40,000 members of the 9/11 community.