9/11 Death Claims Surpass 10,000 as Cancer Cases Rise

Fatalities linked to medical conditions from the Sept. 11 attacks have now climbed past the 10,000 threshold, representing a sobering new milestone as cancer cases tied to the hazardous dust of Ground Zero keep growing, The Post has learned.

Data from an October filing by the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund reveals that 10,029 claims have been submitted on behalf of individuals who succumbed to 9/11-associated illnesses. That count reflects a 1,544% surge compared to the 610 claims for deceased persons logged by the conclusion of 2015.

“That is an astounding, horrifying and heartbreaking statistic,” said attorney Michael Barasch, who represents roughly half of all 9/11 claimants. “But I have to tell you, the true number is probably thousands higher.”

As of November, the federal fund had approved 6,397 awards involving deceased claimants. Out of that total, 5,997 pertained to cancer, showing that the illness was present in 93% of all determinations regarding death claims, according to statistics from the fund.

Barasch explained that the gap between the amount of filed claims and approved payouts stems largely from a protracted review procedure that can extend beyond a year. Roughly 2,000 pending files are currently stuck somewhere within the pipeline connecting local courts to the federal claims network under his legal practice.

Before moving forward, petitions filed for a deceased individual’s estate need clearance from surrogate’s courts, an additional phase that can likewise exceed twelve months. “I speak with people every day, and I’m still stunned by how many don’t know they may qualify,” said Barasch, who was diagnosed with 9/11-related prostate cancer following his time working inside the contaminated zone.

Numerous rescue workers participated in the cleanup efforts at Ground Zero, while hundreds of residents and employees stayed or lived in the surrounding vicinity after the Environmental Protection Agency asserted that the air in New York City was safe for breathing. Individuals who came into contact with the hazardous debris and particles may qualify for financial relief and medical treatments established by the Zadroga Health and Compensation Act of 2010.

Christine Sakoutis, a former Manhattan Family Court clerk, had traveled to Manhattan from Staten Island on Sept. 11, 2001, just as the initial aircraft struck the World Trade Center. The 63-year-old program beneficiary recalled running toward the towers.

“When the first building came down, this huge cloud rolled over us,” she said. “It was completely black, and you couldn’t breathe.”

Sakoutis spent the next 10 days assisting at the wreckage before moving to a nearby aid center. The court system and her union later honored her for her bravery. Her health took a serious turn in 2017.

“I went to the doctor, and they found a spot,” she said. “It turned out to be 9/11 lung cancer.”

Doctors removed the tumor and treated her with chemotherapy. She has remained nearly cancer-free ever since. “I’m incredibly fortunate,” the Staten Island resident said. “They found it early enough that it could be cured.”

James Mandelkow, an FDNY fire inspector and the father of Doug Mandelkow, passed away from esophageal cancer in 2013 barely six months following his initial diagnosis. In the aftermath of the attacks, James staffed a Lower Manhattan telephone bank where he reached out to families of FDNY personnel to share updates about their relatives during the rescue mission.

Following his diagnosis, his son said that he initially held back from applying to the compensation fund because he had not performed hands-on work directly on the pile. “He mistakenly believed that only people who worked on the pile were covered,” Doug recalled. “Eventually, he understood that the entire area had been affected.”

James Mandelkow was only 54 when he died. “It’s devastating that this number continues to climb every year,” his son said. “The right thing would have been to clearly acknowledge from the beginning that the air was toxic in 2001. Unfortunately, that isn’t what happened.”

By Omar El Sayed – World Editor