Barasch & McGarry - Lawyers for the 9/11 Community

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Barasch & McGarry - Lawyers for the 9/11 Community We advocate for the rights of 9/11 heroes and those exposed to toxic dust on and after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 shocked the world, many responders who were exposed to toxins from the World Trade Center site are still living a nightmare. Every day, Barasch & McGarry observes how cancer, respiratory disorders and other disabling and deadly diseases linked to the exposure continue to devastate families. No other law firm in the country has recovered more money from the Victim Compensation Fund through WTC settlement agreements on behalf of its injured clients than Barasch & McGarry. We are proud to have represented James Zadroga, an NYPD detective who developed pulmonary fibrosis as a result of his exposure to the WTC toxic dust. His death persuaded Congress to pass the “James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act” in 2010. The law reopened the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, which provides benefits to people whose injuries and illnesses resulted from exposure to WTC dust and debris and ongoing health treatment for those sickened by the toxins. With our office just steps from Ground Zero, we witnessed the pain of the 9/11 attacks first-hand. Many in our office have since developed 9/11-related illnesses and some have passed away. We felt the impact that day and continue to feel it today. We will never stop fighting for victims and families in the 9/11 community.

Just weeks before his grandfather passed away, Ian Dannenfelser asked him a difficult question: Knowing what responding ...
10/26/2026

Just weeks before his grandfather passed away, Ian Dannenfelser asked him a difficult question: Knowing what responding to Ground Zero would ultimately cost him, would he still answer the call?

Without hesitation, his grandfather replied, "Absolutely."

Gene Dannenfelser, affectionately known as "Pop," began volunteering as a firefighter at just 16 years old and went on to serve as Deputy Chief Fire Marshal with the Camden County Fire Marshal's Office. Following the September 11 attacks, he completed 13 tours at Ground Zero. In 2014, he was diagnosed with 9/11-related lung cancer, ultimately losing his battle in 2017.

For Ian, his grandfather's dedication to others became a calling of his own. He joined the College Park Volunteer Fire Department and has worked alongside his family to educate firefighters about occupational cancer risks and the importance of cancer prevention.

Now, Ian is preparing to study mechanical engineering at Penn State, where he hopes to develop technology that better protects firefighters and other first responders from the dangers they face.

We are honored to recognize Ian as a Barasch & McGarry Charitable Foundation scholarship recipient. His story reminds us that the legacy of those who served on 9/11 lives on through the next generation's determination to make a difference.

The toxic dust from 9/11 didn't stop at Ground Zero. Dangerous dust and debris settled inside homes throughout Lower Man...
10/22/2026

The toxic dust from 9/11 didn't stop at Ground Zero. Dangerous dust and debris settled inside homes throughout Lower Manhattan following the attacks.

Despite evidence of asbestos, lead, fiberglass, and other toxic substances, many residents were allowed to return to their homes with little guidance on how to safely remove the contamination. Some were simply advised to clean the dust themselves using wet rags and mops.

Twenty-five years later, thousands of downtown residents, workers, and students continue to suffer from illnesses linked to their exposure to World Trade Center toxins.

These findings reinforce what we have long known: the health consequences of 9/11 extend far beyond the first responders who worked at Ground Zero.

NYPD Detective Luis Alvarez should be celebrating his 61st birthday today with his friends and family. Instead, he passe...
10/19/2026

NYPD Detective Luis Alvarez should be celebrating his 61st birthday today with his friends and family. Instead, he passed away from 9/11-related cancer.

Following the September 11th attacks, Detective Alvarez spent three months working at Ground Zero, where he was exposed to toxic dust and debris.

Years later, after undergoing 68 rounds of chemotherapy, he traveled to Washington, D.C., to testify before Congress, urging lawmakers to permanently fund compensation for 9/11 responders, survivors, and their families.

He died 18 days later at the age of 53.

His advocacy helped secure the passage of the Never Forget the Heroes Act, permanently authorizing the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

Today, we honor Detective Alvarez's service and sacrifice. His legacy will not be forgotten.

Gianna Romano grew up watching her Nonna battle cancer caused by toxic exposure following 9/11. Her grandmother worked f...
10/14/2026

Gianna Romano grew up watching her Nonna battle cancer caused by toxic exposure following 9/11. Her grandmother worked for Aon in the Twin Towers and spent nearly two decades living with the consequences of that day.

Despite years of illness, hospital stays, and pain, her Nonna remained a constant presence in Gianna's life. They shared family dinners multiple times a week, spent hours together after school, and made memories that taught Gianna the importance of making the most of the time we have.

Her grandmother's experience also inspired Gianna's interest in scientific research and public health. Through her school's research club, she spent two years investigating the Grumman Plume, a source of groundwater contamination affecting communities on Long Island. She presented her findings at local STEAM events, raising awareness about environmental hazards and how toxic exposure can affect families and communities for generations.

We are proud to recognize Gianna as a Barasch & McGarry Charitable Foundation scholarship recipient as she honors her Nonna's legacy and carries forward a deep commitment to her community.

Men can get breast cancer, too. Following the September 11th attacks, Jeff Flynn spent six months working in Lower Manha...
10/08/2026

Men can get breast cancer, too. Following the September 11th attacks, Jeff Flynn spent six months working in Lower Manhattan, exposed to dust, smoke, and toxic fumes from Ground Zero.

Ten years later, he was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Jeff initially didn't think much of a lump in his chest, unaware that men could develop breast cancer. By the time he received his diagnosis, the cancer was already advanced and had spread to his lymph nodes.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we share Jeff's story to raise awareness of a disease often overlooked in men and to recognize that the health consequences of 9/11 continue to affect survivors decades later.

Early detection matters. If you notice a lump or unusual changes in your chest or breast tissue, don't ignore it.

Sophia Cucuzza was just five years old when she lost her mother to cancer.Her mother had worked downtown at Thomson Reut...
10/05/2026

Sophia Cucuzza was just five years old when she lost her mother to cancer.

Her mother had worked downtown at Thomson Reuters, just blocks from the World Trade Center, during the attacks. Years later, she was diagnosed with 9/11-related lung cancer and passed away at the age of 38.

With only a handful of childhood memories to hold onto, Sophia grew up learning about her mother through the stories of those who knew her best. They described a woman who was compassionate, determined, and always thinking of others.

Her family found a way to put those qualities into action. Together, they created Jaime’s LILAC Foundation, donating care packages to help make chemotherapy a little more bearable for cancer patients and their families.

For Sophia, that work has become about more than remembering her mother. It has shown her how grief can become service, and how small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

This fall, Sophia is attending Hofstra University to study nursing. We are proud to support Sophia through the Barasch & McGarry Charitable Foundation scholarship program as she continues turning loss into service and compassion for others.

She was only 20 years old on 9/11. By 39, she was facing a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.Nadia Vizueta was a...
10/02/2026

She was only 20 years old on 9/11. By 39, she was facing a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.

Nadia Vizueta was an NYU journalism student when the World Trade Center was attacked. In the months that followed, she spent time around Ground Zero reporting on the aftermath, never imagining that the air she was breathing would quietly follow her decades later.

Years later, Nadia was diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer. She was a mother of two young children and still years away from the age when most women ever begin routine mammograms.

After a fierce fight, Nadia has now gone six years with no evidence of cancer. She now uses her story to make sure others who were in Lower Manhattan understand the risks they may still face and do not ignore the signs.

As part of our annual September 11th community initiative, the Barasch & McGarry team came together to pack backpacks fo...
09/30/2026

As part of our annual September 11th community initiative, the Barasch & McGarry team came together to pack backpacks for students at P.S. 124 – The Yung Wing School in Lower Manhattan.

Staff filled backpacks with school supplies for students in pre-K through 2nd grade, helping start the school year strong. Thank you to everyone who donated, packed, and helped make it happen.

For Thomas Sheehan, the impact of 9/11 came long after the towers fell. Growing up in Battery Park City, Thomas watched ...
09/28/2026

For Thomas Sheehan, the impact of 9/11 came long after the towers fell. Growing up in Battery Park City, Thomas watched his mother carry the weight of raising two boys on her own. When she was diagnosed with 9/11-related colon cancer during his freshman year of high school, he was thrust into adulthood as he helped his family navigate her illness.

This past April, after nearly four years of illness, Thomas lost his mother to cancer. What he carries forward is her belief that a meaningful life is measured in how you treat others and what you give back to the people around you.

We are proud to support Thomas through the Barasch & McGarry Charitable Foundation scholarship program as he begins this next chapter at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

This week, our team had the chance to step into the shoes of so many of our FDNY clients.We took part in hands-on FDNY t...
09/25/2026

This week, our team had the chance to step into the shoes of so many of our FDNY clients.

We took part in hands-on FDNY training, giving us a firsthand look at the teamwork, quick thinking, and physical demands the job requires every day.

Thank you to the FDNY Foundation and the FDNY leaders who spent the day training us and sharing their experience. We’re proud to stand with New York’s Bravest every day.

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