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<div>Our family is asking for prayers, support, and help for my father-in-law — a proud NYPD officer, 9/11 first responder, K9 member, ESU and true American hero.

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<div>In September of 2025, his oncologist told him he had six months left to live. His cancer had mutated into angiosarcoma in his bones. After hearing those words, he went home, made his funeral arrangements, got out the uniform he wanted to be buried in, wrote his will, and prepared his family for the unimaginable.

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<div>But telling his children, family, and friends was the hardest battle of all.

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<div>His illness came from years of sacrifice and exposure while serving during and after 9/11. His team spent 7 months inside the wreckage of the World Trade Center — rappelling into voids, crawling through debris, first searching for survivors and later recovering those who were lost. He willingly put his life on the line for his fellow officers and the citizens of New York City.

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<div>Then on November 12, 2001 — Veterans Day — while still working Ground Zero recovery, another tragedy struck. American Airlines Flight 587 crashed in the Rockaways shortly after takeoff from JFK. He and two fellow ESU officers responded immediately, arriving among the first units on scene. They ran into burning homes, evacuated families, saved lives, suffered smoke inhalation, and then assisted in the horrific recovery efforts from the crash site. For their bravery that day, the three officers received medals for their actions.

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<div>Today, the aftermath of those heroic acts lives inside his body.

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<div>Three weeks after what he thought was a death sentence, doctors called with unexpected news: the pathology showed a treatable cancer. Since then, he has endured brutal treatments including radiation, spinal procedures, bone marrow biopsies, stem cell harvesting, injections to force white blood cell production, and now over 26 rounds of chemotherapy.

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<div>The treatments have been beyond painful. Radiation left burn marks across his chest. The fatigue became so severe his son had to wheel him around. The procedures, injections, and harvesting process cause excruciating bone and muscle pain daily.

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<div>And despite having World Trade Center health insurance coverage, our family has faced constant difficulties trying to get proper support and care here in Pennsylvania, adding even more stress during an already devastating time.

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<div>Still, through all of this, he continues to fight.

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<div>He says he wears this pain like a badge of honor because it came from doing something noble — protecting others.

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<div>We are humbly asking for help with medical expenses, travel, treatments, and daily costs during this incredibly difficult journey. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this post and keeping him in your prayers.

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<div>Please never look at a cancer patient with a cold heart. They are fighting battles most people could never imagine.

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<div>Thank you for helping us support a true hero. ❤️

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Tayler Chambless

Michae Donahue

Greg Mrva

Edgar Lopez

Kelly Courtien

Manuela Ejlli

Pjerin Gjoni

Ingrid Andromidas

Flor Bonilla

Monica Ordonez

Peter Penn

Yefferson Espitia

Degatano Degatano

Michael DeMarco

Andrea Martinez

Nancy Arevalo

Melanie Gerber

Anonymous

Gina Angelone

Help a September 11 First Responder Fight Cancer

Help a September 11 First Responder Fight Cancer

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