Lungs for Anthony

The Price of First Responders

He does not think of himself as a hero, doesn't like to be referred to as such. But when, as a Volunteer Fireman, Anthony got the call that his brothers needed him in the aftermath of 9/11, he raced down to Ground Zero to help the rescue and recovery efforts, while most civilians were headed in the other direction. And once there, breathing the toxic cloud of unmentionable contents that the EPA assured them was safe, their work continued tirelessly, selflessly, determinedly. This is what they were trained to do, this is what Anthony did.

Fast-forward ten years. Several days of shortness of breath led him to seek medical attention. Diagnosed with ‘walking pneumonia,’ he was sent home on antibiotics and continued on with his life as husband, father, coach, along with his job with his company and with his fire house. But this year, on the 11^th anniversary of our National Tragedy, when the breathing difficulties worsened, he sought further medical attention only to be left, following a painful lung biopsy, with the terrible news that he had Non-specific Interstitial Pulmonary Disease (Pulmonary Fibrosis), a scarring of his lungs so severe he cannot properly breathe any longer without an oxygen tank. Several of his colleagues have succumbed to this disease, others, like Anthony, are waiting to complete the paperwork necessary to wait some more, hoping to meet the criteria for a lung transplant soon. His condition is complex, he must endure repeated hospitalizations, endless tests, and continuous medication.

In the meantime, a family is on hold. Income has dropped dramatically, disability has yet to kick in, and daily, weekly, and monthly expenses continue to accumulate. He takes medications to help control the inflammation, pain, and potential infection, but struggles daily with pain and breathing difficulty. He remains on oxygen at home, and needs a portable oxygen tank on the few occasions he has felt well enough to get out of the house.

His pride does not allow him to reach out for help, his determination to get through this remains strong. But the reality that he cannot properly provide for his family is setting in, and he is allowing us to reach out for him, to see if once again this incredible community can rise up for one of its own.

No, Anthony doesn't want to be called a hero, he has never asked for recognition. And he certainly doesn't want to ask for help. But when he heard that he was needed at Ground Zero to help others, he found the courage and strength to do that. And now has paid a heavy price for that effort. Perhaps we can all find our own way to show him and his family how much we know that, and help them through this time of incredible struggle.

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