Barasch & McGarry Recognizes Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month

March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month.

Anyone exposed to Ground Zero toxins on or after 9/11 has a much higher risk of many respiratory illnesses and 69 different types of cancer, including multiple myeloma.

With multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and block healthy blood cells. Rather than produce helpful antibodies, the cancer cells produce abnormal proteins that could lead to complications.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 35,730 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed in 2023.

Major risk factors for multiple myeloma include old age, male gender, family history, obesity, having other plasma cell diseases, and exposure to Ground Zero toxins after 9/11.

The most common symptoms of multiple myeloma are bone pain, especially in the spine or chest, nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, mental fogginess or confusion, fatigue, frequent infections, weight loss, weakness or numbness in the legs, and excessive thirst.

Barasch & McGarry represents more than 300 9/11 first responders and survivors who have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

Remember that if you are diagnosed with 9/11-related multiple myeloma, your family medical history and pre-existing conditions will not affect your eligibility for free health care or compensation. 

If you were there in Lower Manhattan, the government presumes your cancer was the result of exposure to Ground Zero toxins.

If you are diagnosed with multiple myeloma 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.

For the WTC Health Program, the exposure zone consists of all of Manhattan below Houston Street and parts of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO in Brooklyn.

For the 9/11 VCF, the exposure zone includes the area of Manhattan south of Canal Street and west of Clinton Street.

If you were exposed to Ground Zero toxins, you should know your health status. Don’t let a delayed diagnosis become a death sentence.

Barasch & McGarry, Lawyers for the 9/11 Community, represents more than 35,000 members of the 9/11 community.

Visit 911victims.com or call 212-385-8000 today.