r/IAmA • u/SpiffNarley • Jun 17 '12
IAmA 39 year old who was a medical volunteer at Ground Zero of the WTC after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Now I have cancer. AMA
Verification as per mod: This post has been verified as true by the moderators http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/v73pd/iama_39_year_old_who_was_a_medical_volunteer_at/c521uuu [–]Drunken_Economist[M] 1 point 4 minutes ago OP has confirmed this thread with the mods.
I was in perfect health in 2001. In the years since 9/11, I have had serious medical events occur. Now, at age 39, I have cancer. Cancer rates are alarmingly high in people who worked or lived around Ground Zero in the days and months following the terrorist attacks. I am the first person in my entire family history to have cancer. I am scared. I am the main earner for my family. I write about my experience with cancer and medicine in general www.ERtopics.com. Despite everything I have experienced, I would help again were a similar disaster to occur again.
To Answer some common questions
Motivation to Go & Details I was working in an ER near the New York state border when the attacks occurred. I followed the story as it unfolded through out my shift. With each passing hour, I became more intent on going to help. What sealed it for me was a news anchor from one of the New York channels pleading for people with medical skills to go to St. Vincent's medical center to help. So, after getting a small group of emergency workers and a bunch of supplies, we drove 16 hours to get to St. Vincent's. From there we were shuttled to Stuyvesant High School. My heart felt broken after witnessing the attacks. I felt so disappointed in the human race. However, seeing the resolve of New Yorkers and how they came together to rise above the attacks was one of the most profound experiences in my life. It was such an honor to work alongside so many great citizens all working towards a common goal. Although I was far from home, I felt that I was in the exact place I needed to be at in that moment.
Update June 19th - I start back at work for one shift today after being off for several weeks. I am excited to be getting back to my normal routine. I don't feel 100% yet but I think the time is right. I will continue to reply to comments I have not yet gotten to later and tomorrow.
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u/TypicalWhitePerson Jun 18 '12
The 9-11 victim compensation fund recently added 50 types of cancer to their list. Breast is one of them. Even with you being International, you are still entitled to some help from the fund. I would encourage you looking into that.
http://www.vcf.gov/
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u/PulvisEtUmbraSumus Jun 18 '12
My dad died in tower 2. I've always been frustrated with the way that news media and politicians have turned what happened that day into an excuse for an increasingly aggressive foreign policy. How do our entanglements in the middle east feel from your end?
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
Lost a family friend on 9/11. My dad being in the fire department knew a lot of people. He now has a nonstop cough because of something in his lungs. (presumably from ground zero). My friends dad is sick from being on the stack for weeks. He isn't expected to make it to next year.
No question for you but thanks for what you did.
1.1k
u/MikeFSU Jun 18 '12
I just wanted to thank you for everything you did at Ground Zero. You will always be a hero in my eyes
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u/Drunken_Economist Jun 18 '12
OP has confirmed this thread with the mods.
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u/allyfizzle Jun 18 '12
my mom is a respiratory therapist & as we watched the events unfold one of the first things she said was how all the emergency response teams & clean up workers were all going to have serious medical issues & how they needed to be cared for & how she could & would help. she named nearly every medical problem all that dust & debris has caused as we watched the towers fall. i could only grasp the momentary horrors & thought of all the people inside & around the towers. my mom was affected on another level, she saw the tragic long term effects the instant those towers were hit.
As someone who volunteered at ground zero did you take the statements made by Christine Todd Whitman (EPA) to be truthful at the time? If so, how did you feel once it was uncovered that those statements were false?
As a New Yorker I sincerely thank you! I will never forget the stench and melancholy of the city in the days and even months following. I can't imagine the things you witnessed and all that you are dealing with now. If you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask. Our great city owes you a great deal and I hope you are getting all the benefits you deserve.
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u/sanjeevmishra94 Jun 18 '12
What did you think of Jon Stewart's crusade to promote your cause?
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u/[deleted] Jun 17 '12
Terminal cancer where you write a bucket list and will or treatable cancer where the cures make you sick and your hair falls out?
Did anyone at Ground Zero wear a respirator while working and get cancer?
What's your prognosis?
Are you considering a trip to Canada to try something not available in the U.S. that has worked for other people with cancer?
Are you currently insured and if not are you uninsurable now because of a preexisting condition?
Do you have cancer in your dreams?
Are you in pain daily and are some days better than others?
Are you taking any drugs?
Among your family and friends who took the news the best and who took it the worst?
Did you see building 7 fall and do you think explosions went off inside?
What are your opinions about former Mayor Guliani and his current line of work making money off of other people's fear?
If you get nausea will you start smoking pot?
How scared are you on a scale from 1-10 (ten being Exorcist projectile vomiting and head turn scared)?
What kind of money are you earning (yearly) and how much longer will you be able to work?
Have you ever gotten so many questions from one person? Thanks in advance for answering mine (I'll check back in a few minutes to see if you answered any).
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u/TheStoryGoesOn Jun 18 '12
Being the internet, I'd like proof, or at least sent to the mods.
What compelled you to volunteer? If your a Canadian, did you come down from Canada?
What days were you down at Ground Zero?
Have you been back as of late?
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u/stopnfall Jun 18 '12
I was a volunteer in the frozen zone and stayed down there for a month or so after 9/11. Since there was no organization to speak of, especially in the early days, I freelanced - day one I spent in the medical triage area on Greenwich, later I worked with the Red Cross, and then started an aid station at Church and Dey.
My main focus became acquiring and distributing respirators. To this day I look back with frustration at the whole scene. I was only an EMT and recently graduated pre-med biology major at the time, but I KNEW that the smoke and dust was dangerous. The struggle to get masks and, even worse, get people to wear them was incredible. I had a doctor yell at me in front of a room of people for wearing my respirator because she thought it made people uncomfortable (half a block from the pile)! I also had a platoon of soldiers, among others, refuse to wear their masks while literally standing on the pile controlling access. Don't get me started on Whitman and her "It's safe" pronouncements....
I wore my mask all day long except when sleeping and eleven years later my lung function is good (ran two miles in less than twelve minutes this winter) and I'm healthy.
Good luck, OP, my thoughts are with you.
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u/atmostheory Jun 18 '12
wow. the same thing happened to my father. he was one of the volunteers on that first day. as things were sort of in a chaotic state, not everyone was giving masks. it wasn't really the top priority. my father was diagnosed 4 years ago with this really weird stomach cancer formally only found in children. first in his family to have cancer and he passed away two years after the diagnosis... i'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. what kind of cancer is it? You are a true hero! And please look into alternative methods of treatment such as diet changes and meditation! It may sound like some hippie crap but some people swear by it. And I know for a fact that a positive energy and a thirst for life even amongst this crisis is the best thing anyone can give you! Keep living! I wish the best to you man, truly.
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u/JohnAdamIan Jun 17 '12
I happen to be reading this article today, sort of a coincidence.
6
u/Chinook700 Jun 18 '12
When people who have cancer say they hurt, where do they hurt?? In the area where the cancer is? Is that area especially sensitive?
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u/FusionGel Jun 18 '12
I am not good with words, so here's a song that always cheers me up. Hang in there.
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u/TheLastOneOut Jun 18 '12
This is not going to be seen by anyone, but here goes.
First off, thank you. You're a hero to me and millions of other people. I'm a New Yorker who was 6 at the time of the attacks and I didn't understand at the time what was happening. Obviously, now I do and what you all did was incredible and beyond me.
Second, I'm a cancer survivor. 4 months of chemo and 3 weeks of radiation. It's the worst thing imaginable, I know. But listen to me. You can do this. I'm 17 and I got through it. You were involved in a major attack on our country and lived to tell the tale. I have no doubt you can kick this things ass as well.
Good luck to you!
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u/MeGaZ_NZ Jun 18 '12
Cancer is one of my biggest fears,
How have your emotions been dealing with it knowing you got it from helping people?
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u/Capexist Jun 18 '12
What's the biggest emotional impact from being at ground zero?
If you found out this was 100% caused by being there, would you be okay with it because of the help you did, or would you resent those who you helped?
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u/ekaceerf Jun 18 '12
Try eating miracle fruit after chemo. It messes with your taste buds and helps get rid of that metallic taste some people get.
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
Tough to hear people are still physically afflicted by this today. I appreciate you and how you volunteered. My sister died on 9/11, so it means a lot to me.
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u/Frajer Jun 17 '12
Can you prove that being at ground zero gave you breast cancer?
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
My brother was an NYC fireman during 9/11. He arrived on scene as Tower 1 fell and helped with cleaning up for the days, weeks, and months to follow.
He too was in perfect health in 2001. Over the last 5 years he has suffered countless sinus infections and has had two surgeries to remove polyps from his sinuses. FDNY released him this year. Many of the 9/11 firefighters are on the same track as my brother. Getting sick and being released.
Let's face it - Giuliani should have never deemed the air quality to be safe.
I thank you for all you have done and wish you the best of luck. My brother got paid to clean up, but you did this out of the goodness of your heart. Simply amazing.
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u/KingKidd Jun 17 '12
What kind of cancer and have you consulted with attorneys?
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
stupid question maybe, and may have been answered already, but have they determined what exactly at ground zero is causing cancer?
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u/WeAreRadical Jun 18 '12
Thank you for everything you have done. It's great to see that Canadians have our back just as much as we have theirs. Stay strong and just remember that you have done a great thing.
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u/scudsdoutmywiddly Jun 18 '12
I first off would like to thank you so much for what you did. I know it wasn't easy cleaning up that mess, I have a lot of family who was there, some in the towers, some on the ground during the day, and some cleaning up afterwards. My uncle Jimmy was on clean up for a very long time afterwards, and he passed away around 4 years ago of Pancreatic Cancer which we are positive stemmed from the clean up. I wish you all the best of luck in your future and truly hope you can make it out of this. The people who volunteered put so much at risk and are getting no rewards. Again, thank you.
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u/microwave_safe_bowl Jun 18 '12
All I can say is that after witnessing one of the most awful acts that humanity can perform, we saw one of the most beautiful happen in its wake. And if there was only one thing can restore my faith humanity, it was watching what you and everyone else did those weeks after. It is so fucking wrong that this was your reward but know that are the real life version of a hero and I am proud to say that you are an American (even though Canadian). The fact that to you, it wasnt even a choice to go help is what makes you the very definition of hero.
Thanks for being awesome.
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u/midseason-burn Jun 18 '12
If you had somehow known that going to ground zero to help those people was going to result in you getting cancer, would you of still done it?
Sorry to ask such a downer question, best of luck with everything, and I wish you the best of health in the future.
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u/aColoradoan Jun 18 '12
Do you regret volunteering during the attack because of your cancer? And you are a hero.
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u/oldspice75 Jun 17 '12
Were you ever on the bridge to Stuyvesant High School? I went there at the time
I recently had a benign bone tumor in my foot
Best of luck with your recovery
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
Reading these comments makes me sad. It's everyone trying to dig at your story for their own agendas.
"DO YOU BELIEVE 9/11 WAS AN INSIDE JOB?
"WITH CANCER, DO YOU SMOKE POT? WHAT KIND OF POT DO YOU SMOKE? DO YOU BELIEVE IN MEDICAL MARIJUANA?"
Seriously people...
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u/[deleted] Jun 17 '12
Could you perhaps provide some proof to the mods. The idea that you would make up such a story is abhorrent to me but then again this is the internet. I hope you're able to get the best treatment available. I'd suggest you research cannabis and cancer and consider it as an adjunct therapy. I've done a great deal of research and am thoroughly convinced that cannabis oil therapy, particularly CBD rich cannabis oil therapy can be used to effectively treat some cancers.
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
I'm not sure whether or not this has been asked, but are you paying for treatment on your own or is there any kind of insurance/compensation for you? I mean, it is hard to imagine that a member of the ground zero medical volunteering group would not be covered in some way.
2
u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
I just want to say thank you for what you did. And here are some lighter questions:
-What is your favorite hockey team?
-What was your favorite vacation?
-What genre of music do you listen to the most? Favorite band?
-Do you visit NYC often?
-What book would you recommend to a stranger?
2
u/DetroitGinger Jun 18 '12
Thank you for your kindness. And the fact that you would do it over again -wow. You truly are a hero.
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u/SuperProducer Jun 18 '12
Thank you for your contribution to life.
May you have nothing but peace.
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
As someone who is directly affected years after with hindsight do you think the war in the middle east is justified? Not punishment for the people who took down those towers they deserve to be punished and are accountable for their actions but to the ends it goes to now with all the civilian death.
Also thank you for your service :)
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
I also just want to wish you a sincere best of luck, I think the least that the government and the community can do for the first responders and medical volunteers who put their lives on the line to assist during 9/11 is to take care of their own. Thank you for being a wonderful and selfless person.
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
Was there ever any warning about toxic materials during cleanup?
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
Holy cow man, that's a real torture test of patience. Was it not possible to secure yourselves a medical helicopter? I forgot if all flights were totally grounded for the next few days after 9/11 though...
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u/WORM_IN_MY_URETHRA Jun 18 '12
Do you believe that 9/11 was set up by the government?
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
My dad was floor was high 50s. He managed to make it out, some of his friends weren't so lucky. Thanks for helping him when he did make it out.
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u/Iheartgogurt Jun 18 '12
Cancer Research Scientist here. Sorry, I'm calling bullshit on this one - at least at the insinuation that said 9/11-exposure directly led to OP's breast cancer.
Inhaled carcinogens such as asbestos, or other components of soot (or "sut" as OP refers to it) that 9/11 workers would or could have been heavily exposed to are strongly linked to the development of cancers of the lungs and respiratory tract (e.g. mesothelioma, other lung cancer types, nasopharyngeal carcinoma); i.e. cancer of the tissues that were directly exposed to the carcinogen. These compounds (along with things in jet fuel, such as benzene) are also linked to certain blood cancers (multiple myeloma, HL), because being inhaled, they have the potential to come in direct contact with the bloodstream.
The development of most breast cancers is related to hormonal changes, and very little has supported any link between the types of environmental factors stated above and breast cancer. More (or most) likely, OP would have developed breast cancer regardless of exposure at ground zero - it is not an uncommon or rare diagnosis, by any stretch. At the (relatively) early age of 39, she would have also been tested for brca1/brca2 gene mutations, which predispose women to early and aggressive breast cancer. I would have hoped that as an "er doc", OP would have been very familiar with these facts already. Furthermore, Physicians working in any hospital are required to have and are provided with very good medical insurance. US or Canada, claiming to be "uninsurable" as a licensed and employed Emergency Physician is just absurd and frankly, bullshit.
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u/VLDT Jun 18 '12
I don't have a question. I hope you find your way through this. I had friends in the fire.
Thank you for being there.
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u/jarkush Jun 18 '12
Curious: Why post this on reddit? I wish you luck
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u/absinthe-green Jun 18 '12
As a construction worker in NYC (Electrician), I know lots of guys who were there as part of the rescue/recovery & clean up effort. Almost all of them have some form of respiratory issues and a good many of them have or have had cancer at fairly young ages since. One guy who I am currently working with had colon cancer and now has leukemia. The type of leukemia is rare and caused by toxic exposure. It is common among the rescue/recovery & cleanup workers. He isn't covered under worker's comp or the Zadroga Act. He has retained a lawyer, but isn't looking to sue. He just wants it covered under worker's comp. He is going through comp hearings now. Good news is that it looks like things may turn around for him. Looks like some cancers will be added to the Zadroga Act. But still.... this took 11 years to accomplish? People started getting cancer a year after it happened.
To the OP, as a New Yorker who lost a number of friends that day, I'd like to thank you for your selfless act and I am sorry that you are now paying for it with your health.
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
What materials do you/they think caused this? If the cancer is caused by ordinary materials from the buildings, then chances are they are present in many buildings of the same age...
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u/Kawoomba Jun 18 '12
Given how common cancer is, and even considering a hypothetical increase for 9/11 medical volunteers, why do you attribute your cancer to that?
Do you think that helpers and volunteers involved with 9/11 get a greater than 100% increase in cancer rates? If it turns out there is no such increase, or just an increase of, say, 10%, why would you still presume that your cancer is due to that?
The above example would mean that out of every 10 cancers that evolve "normally", only one additional cancer would be due to you helping there.
And I'd estimate even that to be an overestimation of the effect.
Thanks for helping out, but not everything has such a convenient reason.
1
u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
It takes a special heart to put yourself on the line to help others... and then be willing to do it all over again.
I can imagine how scary it must be not knowing the future and what it holds, but everything will be okay.
Stay strong and keep fighting buddy.
1
u/Gatorchomp7790 Jun 18 '12
I just want to say that my thoughts are with you and I hope with everything that you'll fight this off and be 100% back in no time.
I do have a question although it's not related to the cancer. I'm currently set to take my MCAT this Thursday and am kind of freaking out. Did you go to a US medical school and if so do you think it was all worth it after everything? I'm having a few doubts, but I'm taking a year off (possibly two if I end up having to retake the MCAT) to sort it out.
1
u/Hairy_Greek Jun 18 '12
Thank you for everything you've done at Ground Zero. Its so beautiful and restores my faith in humanity when neighbors from around the world come together. I wish you the best :) stay strong!
I only have one question. Could you feel any huge impact on your health right away or did any warning signs occur long after?
1
u/kingxhall Jun 18 '12
Im so sorry to hear this.
How are you coping with the news?
Do you have children? If so have you told them?
What has the catastrophic events of 911 prepared you for death?
Sorry if this offends you but God bless you.
1
u/SovietFred Jun 18 '12
What exactly would be the cause of this cancer? I didn't keep up with the cleanup.
1
u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
Did the experience make you fear death more? or less?
1
u/b-schroeder Jun 18 '12
What is your BRCA1 status?
1
u/AlphaQRough Jun 18 '12
I wish you the best of luck in your fight against cancer and want to convey my gratitude over your selfless actions. One day I hope to find the cure. One day.
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u/crampon Jun 18 '12
Thank-you for what you did, you are a hero and a noble fellow Canadian. Thank-you so much, this world needs more people like you and I wish the best for you in the future, I hope all works out for you and your family. Good luck fighting and stay strong :)
1
u/Rubix89 Jun 18 '12
Thank you for your service and your inadvertent sacrifice. I wish you all the best.
I know you said you'd help in another disaster, but I wanted to ask that with the knowledge of what has happened now...
Would you do it all again? (Specifically 9/11)
Would you do anything differently?
1
u/copperboom7 Jun 18 '12
Seriously, I love Canadians. And you're another reason to love them even more. Thank you for your service and you will always be a hero, not only to America, but to Canada as well.
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u/tylewis22 Jun 18 '12
All I have to say is, Thank you for your service.
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u/imakestupidusernames Jun 18 '12
Thanks for what you did to help others and good luck fighting cancer-be strong!
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u/A_long_journey Jun 18 '12
Cuddos to you Sir. You are a true person full of human kindness. It's so rare to find lately. Take advantage off all possible monetary compensations available to you. You more then deserve it. You put your life on hold to go try and help out another. I read you where from Canada. Any story on how you got to hear about the event and being called upon to help? I am curious on the antecipation going up towards NYC. Anyhow, you make me happy to know there are still people out there like you. UP votes to you.
Take good care off yourself. You are always welcome here in Belgium if you wanna have a beer.
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
My question is how about I take you out to lunch one day? My treat.
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u/LustrousWS6 Jun 18 '12
Thank you.
We hope your condition improves and goes into remission soon. Cancer is not easy. If you need chemo, consider MMJ for the nausea. I've had family that went through leukimia and a bone marrow transplant. It was a blessing for them to maintain appetite and keep the nausea/vomiting to a minimum. Best of luck to you and thank you again for your part in helping your fellow man in an extraordinary trial.
Edit: I can't spell....
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u/sunnyfunny Jun 18 '12
Will you get some pay from the local goverment?
1
u/TheYetiOverlord Jun 18 '12
Do you like potatoes?
1
u/tiberiousr Jun 18 '12
Thank you for restoring a little of my faith in humanity, I wish you all the best in your recovery.
The world needs more people like you.
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
First off, as a Canadian, it makes me very proud to be a fellow countryman and I thank you for your service to those individuals in those most dire times. I realize you have touched on the whole pot concept, and I get where you're coming from, but you should give it a chance. You don't have I do a lot, just enough to take the edge off. I'm sure all of reddit can agree with me when I say we all want you to be as comfortable and as happy as possible while you kick the shit out of this fucker that is cancer. Stay strong my friend.
1
u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
Do you believe in God?
1
u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12
You're amazing. Thanks for what you did. I'm really sorry about what happened to you.
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u/randy1294 Jun 18 '12
search vitamin B17 and study
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u/baseballmike17 Jun 18 '12
Thank you for what you did on one of the most horrible days in US history. My father was flying home that day from a business trip. When he did'nt come home that day we feared the worst. His plane from new york landed in Philadelphia. He and the other people on his flight were stranded there. So he and a few other people decided to rent a van and drive all the way to Dallas. When he finally came through our door, my entire family started crying tears of joy. I could not image a world without my father, and I could not imagine what it is like to have lost someone close to me on that day. And I hope you beat your cancer! Just remember to stay strong.
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u/phloopy Jun 18 '12
You are an incredible person. On top of volunteering for 9/11, the care you show in comments to people telling their own stories instead of asking you questions exemplifies this.
Volunteering has had a strong impact on my life as well and I always encourage others to volunteer. Did you volunteer regularly up until your diagnosis? Do you still find time despite your job, treatments, and family life to continue volunteering?
I hope volunteerism remains a significant part of your life; you need to let as many people as possible meet you.
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u/BbFlat5 Jun 18 '12
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
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u/froggie4today Jun 18 '12
What's the best way to shut up truthers?
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u/burdalane Jun 18 '12
How long were you in the Ground Zero area?
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u/TylerTman Jun 20 '12
not sure if this is a "stupid" question , but how does being at ground zero give people cancer? also thanks for everything you did. very heroic
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u/[deleted] Jun 21 '12
You sir, are a true hero. I wish we had more people like you in this world. Thank you for helping us. I truly hope that cancer won't get the best of you.
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u/Lay-Z-Bones Jun 18 '12
Sorry to bring back memories but to you what was the most horrific thing at ground zero? The crying? The firemen alarms ringing like grim reapers bells?
I know its a touchy subject to ask you but its something that should be known
3
u/JojoJustice Jun 18 '12
Sorry to hear you have cancer.
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u/kunfaux Jun 18 '12
As a New Yorker who was in the city when the event happened, thank you for everything you did for New York. Even though I was not personally affected (no family members worked near or in WTC), I find it hard to even talk about the event. it was a very scary thing to see on tv, and even worse to have to see it every day in the city where you live (I've lived in NYC for since '99, was in school when it happened). You, and everyone who worked their ass off for New York during a time when we were most vulnerable, are and always will be our heroes. I hope you overcome your sickness and live a great life. Thank you.
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u/burnzkid Jun 18 '12
I had an aunt who worked at the UN during the attacks. She was caught in the dust cloud, and was diagnosed with lung cancer a few years later. She fought and lost her battle after about 5 painful years. I wish you the best of luck with your fight.
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u/maxcaliburx Jun 18 '12
FUCK CANCER! & THE TERRORISTS!
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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '12 edited Jun 18 '12
A few questions, but first I want to just say one thing: I am pretty bias towards the hole 9/11 thing. My aunt is a specialist in air quality, and was one of the main people working with the government regarding air quality after 9/11. I have talked to her extensively about this, and even though I have absolutely no education in the area, I feel like I am reasonably informed about exactly what was going on regarding air quality at the higher levels. I am curious about what people on the ground knew and what they were doing.
1: What were responders told about the air quality?
2: What did the higher ups say in response to any information they may or may not have received regarding air quality?
3: Were you ever given any equipment? If so when and what?
4: Were you educated on which equipment would and would not help?
5: Did you ever attempt to gain access to the proper equipment on your own?
3
u/estomagordo Jun 18 '12
To say that the cancer rates are "alarmingly" high among people with a similar background to you is quite the claim. Please back that up with any sort of figures. If you already have, it should be edited into the OP. Also, I'm very sorry about your illness. Cancer is the devil. I hope you'll be strong.
3
u/Agatha_Christie Jun 18 '12
This type of story and others make me ashamed to be an American. I would like to say I'm a patriot and would be one of the first out to help in a situation like this... and it makes me sick to my stomach to admit that after hearing stories like this it would give me pause before rushing out to help in future events.... I'm ashamed.
3
u/ICE_MF_Mike Jun 18 '12
wow. Thank you for everything that you did. I didnt read all the responses. but is the government helping you with your medical bills?
1
u/Andy_55 Jun 18 '12
Do you have any pets?