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A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
In remembrance of the 2973 people, who lost their lives, in the Terrorist Attacks, on September 11, 2001
    In November 2001, my sister, Lisa, spent two weeks, with the Onondaga Chapter of the American Red Cross, at Ground Zero, in Manhattan, New York. She was eager to go there to help out in any way she could, and patiently awaited the call from the Red Cross. While there, she was assigned duties such as manning telephones, filling out paperwork, assisting with meals, and general consoling of those in need. Upon her arrival back home, she was weak and tired, but never the worse for wear. I could see by the stories she would tell, about things she had seen around Ground Zero, and the general devastation, that she was deeply touched, by this outrageous act of Terrorism against our Nation. Though, in time, she would recoup and her life would return to some degree of normalcy.
    
In March 2002, Lisa found herself, in a Syracuse hospital, fighting for her life. On March 8, 2002, she was diagnosed with a form of Leukemia. March 9, 2002, the family gathered at the hospital, in a nearby waiting room, where a team of doctors and healthcare providers met with us to explain Lisa's diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis. While the family listened, in unbelievable shock, we began to ask the team of healthcare providers our own questions. The Oncologist had told us that given the rate of growth of leukemic cells, in Lisa's bone marrow, she had been walking around with active leukemia for approximately 4 to 6 months. At one point, I had asked my sister's primary physician if it was possible that Lisa might have been exposed to some unknown, toxic chemical or gasses, while volunteering at Ground Zero. The doctor abruptly said, "No". Though, concern and doubt remained in my mind. Several grueling  days had past, when we were told that Lisa had contracted a very dangerous MRSA infection, while in the hospital.  Because of her already suppressed immune system, coupled with the Chemotherapy Treatments, the MRSA infection was too powerful for Lisa's body to fight off. On March 14, 2002, Lisa lost her battle, and passed away.
    
Five years have passed since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on our nation. Today, I am still hearing stories, in the media, about mysterious illnesses that are affecting many rescue workers and other people, who have been in and around Ground Zero. Although, my sister loved her volunteer work, and given the kind of person she was, I do not think she would have lived her life any other way. But the doubts that linger in my mind surrounding her sudden illness, makes the September 11th attacks on our nation, even more personal to me.
    
God Bless all, who were taken from us, and the families and friends left behind, on that fateful day. 
American Airlines Flight 11:
Hit The North Tower
Passengers: 76
Crew: 9
Hijackers: 5
United Airlines Flight 175:
Hit The South Tower
Passengers: 51
Crew: 9
Hijackers: 5
American Airlines Flight 77:
Crashed Into Pentagon
Passengers: 53
Crew: 6
Personnel: 125
United Airlines Flight 93:
Crashed In Shanksville,PA
Passengers: 33
Crew: 7
Hijackers: 4
Our Cries Were Heard All Over The World
As A Nation Mourned
Background music is "Beth", by KISS
Twin Towers:
Including:
Police Officers: 60
Firefighters: 343
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