Former 9/11 worker struggles for assistance after illness amid ongoing turmoil at RFK Jr.’s CDC.

A retired New York Police Department officer is drawing attention to the ongoing challenges faced by first responders suffering from illnesses linked to their work at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks. Detective Richard Volpe, who was actively involved in the recovery efforts post-9/11, has reported ongoing health issues from exposure to toxins at the site. Despite his persistent health struggles, Volpe has yet to receive assistance from the federal government, primarily due to the lack of certification of his rare kidney disease by the World Trade Center Health Program. The ongoing turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has contributed to the delays and uncertainties faced by many in similar situations.

Diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, commonly referred to as Berger’s Disease, Volpe has been contending with this aggressive kidney condition for over two decades. This rare ailment affects only approximately 1.4 out of 100,000 individuals, making Volpe’s case particularly notable. He dedicated six months to the recovery efforts at Ground Zero and sifting through debris at the Staten Island landfill, where the remains of the fallen towers were taken. Volpe expressed frustration over the lack of acknowledgment and communication regarding his medical condition, which has not been presented to the federal Victims Compensation Fund.

Since the appointment of Robert Kennedy as Secretary of Health and Human Services, advocates for 9/11 victims have reported challenges in obtaining information about the status of new medical conditions impacting Ground Zero survivors. As a result, Volpe and others dealing with similar health issues remain in a state of limbo, unable to access necessary support.

The impact of the toxins inhaled during recovery efforts has led to serious health implications for many first responders. While Volpe’s condition remains unrecognized within the parameters of the World Trade Center Health Program, other conditions have been successfully certified, providing assistance to affected individuals. For example, fellow officer John Walcott, who suffered terminal cancer due to his work, has received treatment through the program.

Over the years, Volpe has witnessed a troubling trend, as 24 additional survivors have been diagnosed with the same rare illness. This raises questions about the urgent need for further research into the long-term health effects experienced by those who answered the call during the crisis. Although studies on the correlation between Berger’s Disease and exposure to toxins from the site have been conducted, results remain unpublished, delaying potential certification that could impact many lives.

As Volpe grapples with the realities of his health complications, including the need for potential kidney replacement due to the ongoing deterioration of his renal function, he emphasizes the importance of recognition and timely access to healthcare for first responders. The lingering absence of acknowledgment of their sacrifices and health challenges has left many feeling lost and sidelined after years of dedication and service. With over two decades having passed since the attacks, Volpe’s story represents a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those on the front lines and the continuing battle for recognition and support.