By Dan Heath
Press-Republican
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Local photographer Damian Battinelli and State Trooper Brian Falb shared a connection, as 9/11 responders who developed cancer.
Monday, Battinelli attended his friend’s funeral at St. Peter’s Church.
The two first met several years ago, when Battinelli was hired to do some photography for the family.
Then, not long ago, he saw a poster promoting a benefit for the stricken trooper. He remembered Falb and reached out to offer his services for free.
“I discovered he also had cancer related to 9/11,” Battinelli said. “That’s where we really started to connect.
“I kind of thought I was the only one in this area who had come down with cancer from 9/11.”
https://twitter.com/d_battinelli/status/844006302313603073
2 WEEKS STRAIGHT
Battinelli was serving with the U.S. Air National Guard, based in Newburgh, at the time of the 9/11 attacks. He ended up on a security detail at ground zero, up to 16-hour days for two weeks straight.
They were initially provided face masks but later told the air was safe and they no longer needed to wear them, he said.
Battinelli was diagnosed with bladder cancer about two years ago, during a routine checkup. He said it is fairly uncommon for someone so young and has sometimes been linked to inhalation of toxic fumes from metals.
He had successful surgery and has so far remained symptom free. But his condition will likely require a lifetime of monitoring at the very least.
START THE PROCESS
Even as Falb struggled with his own illness, he and his wife, Mary, helped Battinelli earn certification as a 9/11 site responder under the World Trade Center Health Program administered by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
“I felt really alone,” Battinelli said. “They (Brian and Mary) helped me tremendously with this program.
“That’s the type of people they are.”
The World Trade Center Health Program came about through the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, passed by Congress in late 2015.
Named after a firefighter who died after exposure to toxins at the site, it provides coverage of medical expenses for those certified as 9/11 responders.
“The big thing I’d like to drive home is if you are sick, start the process,” Battinelli said. “If you need help, it’s there for a lot of people.”
HEARTWARMING
Battinelli said it was rewarding to witness the turnout for the service to honor Falb’s passing.
“The outpouring was just unbelievable; it was so heartwarming to know that so many people care,” he said.
“It just goes to show, again, just what type of person Brian was.”
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©2017 the Press-Republican (Plattsburgh, N.Y.)