An Ohio man who was on a trip to San Diego received a life-changing cancer diagnosis that he believes is connected to his work at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terror attacks.
Bryan Smith, 50, was suffering from a cough just days before his Halloween trip to California to visit his brothers. While there, he said his cough just got worse.
A trip to the ER revealed Smith had Stage 4 lung cancer, a shock for a man who said he has never smoked. His mind immediately went to his service.
‘I believe there is a strong possibility my diagnosis is linked to my time near Ground Zero,’ Smith told ABC 10 News San Diego.
Since 2001, more than 2,000 first responders who assisted in the weeks and months after the Twin Tower attacks have died from illnesses connected to their work.
An Ohio man who was on a trip to San Diego received a life-changing cancer diagnosis that he believes is connected to his work at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terror attacks
‘I believe there is a strong possibility my diagnosis is linked to my time near Ground Zero,’ Bryan Smith, 50, told ABC 10 News San Diego
Since 2001, more than 2,000 first responders who assisted in the weeks and months after the Twin Tower attacks have died from illnesses connected to their work
Smith said he was traveling to San Diego to visit his brothers and that his cough kept progressing.
Two weeks later, he wound up in the hospital due to his symptoms.
‘Also, weakness, lethargy, and dramatic weight loss,’ Smith said.
After a series of tests, Smith was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer which he said had already spread to his liver and lymph nodes.
‘I was terrified. My whole world stopped right there,’ said Smith.
‘It was completely surprising. I’ve never smoked,’ he told the San Diego station.
Without hesitation, the former first responder connected his diagnosis to his time at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks.
In 2001, Smith was an officer with the Federal Protective Service, an agency that protects federal buildings.
He was sent from Washington, D.C. to New York after the attacks and patrolled an area just 10 blocks from Ground Zero.
‘Also, weakness, lethargy, and dramatic weight loss,’ Smith said of his symptoms leading up to his Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
In 2001, Smith was an officer with the Federal Protective Service, an agency that protects federal buildings
Without hesitation, the former first responder connected his diagnosis to his time at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks
Smith was sent from Washington, D.C. to New York after the attacks and patrolled several buildings just 10 blocks from Ground Zero
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‘Your uniforms could be covered in ashy soot, a short amount of time after your shift had begun, and you’re breathing it all in,’ Smith said
In his interview with the San Diego TV station, he described the situation around the time as dire.
‘Your uniforms could be covered in ashy soot, a short amount of time after your shift had begun, and you’re breathing it all in,’ Smith said.
He said he worked for three months straight without PPE before he left and volunteered to work in a different area.
‘I believe there is a strong possibility my diagnosis is linked to my time near Ground Zero,’ he told the outlet.
In the description of a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of his medical bills, he says he has reached out to the World Trade Center Registry to establish a link between his illness and his time at Ground Zero.
The World Trade Center Registry is an organization that investigates the long-term health effects of those who lived and worked near Ground Zero after the attacks.
‘Even with good medical insurance, the costs of long-term care and daily expenses quickly sapped my savings and I’m currently not able to work,’ the GoFundMe states.
He has been evaluated by a doctor which is the first step in obtaining benefits from the Registry.
Smith is hoping to raise $15,000 to help cover his bills. As of March 28, the GoFundMe has raised just under $2,000
Smith has been evaluated by a doctor which is the first step in obtaining benefits from the World Trade Center Registry
Many firefighters and police officers have been known to experience higher rates of cancer
In the description of a GoFundMe, Smith says he has reached out to the World Trade Center Registry to establish a link between his illness and his time at Ground Zero
The World Trade Center Registry is an organization that investigates the long-term health effects of those who lived and worked near Ground Zero after the attacks
Many firefighters and police officers have been known to experience higher rates of cancer.
‘I think we’re seeing the scope of this tragedy from 9/11, is long-term and continues,’ said Smith.
Smith said he is currently undergoing oral chemotherapy.
His prognosis, however, is unclear.
The Ohio man plans to spend several more months in San Diego while he continues to undergo treatment for his cancer.
Smith is hoping to raise $15,000 to help cover his bills. As of March 28, the GoFundMe has raised just under $2,000.
‘I would be immensely gratefully to everyone that could share my story with as many people as possible to spread the word,’ he wrote.
‘Any help you can share would be so welcome to me and my family,’ the fund says.
