4th of JULY: A NEW HERO, IN MY EYES

With the 4th of July holiday here, I just wanted to express a personal feeling of gratitude to Luis ALVAREZ, age 53, who recently passed away from cancer that he contracted while working at the Twin Towers rescue and recovery site, following the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001, in New York City.

In his very last days, Luis Alvarez, weakened by cancer, summoned his last bits of strength to speak directly to Congress, pleading with them to look after all his fellow comrades, and their healthcare needs, many of whom now are experiencing severe health problems ... after responding to the September 11 tragedy and working there in search and rescue missions, as well as the eventual months of clearing up the debris and damage … surrounded by smoke, soot, pollutants, and toxins at the site.

I was moved by Luis Alvarez's passionate plea for our country to look after his comrades who remain … those heroic first responders, many of whom now are experiencing severe health conditions. Shortly after his speech to Congress, Mr. Alvarez was put under Hospice care, and his funeral has now been held.

In my eyes, he is a true example of American courage and heroism … past, present, and future.

His last bits of strength were dedicated to looking after the well being of his comrades and their loved ones … a true example of compassion and concern for others.

I see this same spirit of camaraderie and compassion here, each day, on this website. That's why Luis Alvarez's courage and heroism moved me so much --- especially in time for the July 4th holiday this year.

Thank you, to every reader here --- who reaches out in countless ways to other cancer patients --- neighbors, friends, community members, and readers here on this website.

This website is a shining example of what it means to REACH OUT to others! Thank you to all readers, visitors, and responders here!

Thank you, with a debt of heartfelt gratitude, to Luis Alvarez, for carrying that heavy torch, keeping it lit through the years, and shining your bright light, for others in need …

With all my best,
CYCLONE ~ Iowa State University

We can all second the above posts...

Great post. As for any of us being heroes... when I was being treated for my head and neck cancer 10 years ago I was, and still am, part of a forum for that malady. I got off reasonably lightly (and, moreover, am still alive) with surgery and rads. But I would read of people who'd had parts or all of their tongues removed and replaced by skin from their arms (with no sensation or taste of course); people with steel mandibles and roofs of mouths; people who'd undergone multiple surgeries, rads and courses of chemo; people disfigured by surgery to remove chunks of their face; people whose vocal cords had to be removed. Etc. And then there are the ones no longer with us.

Sorry to be so graphic. I know many here have endured the prostate equivalent.

I was, and am, lucky.

They - and you guys - are HEROES.

Very moving post. Thank you Cyclone-ISU.

C-Span recording of Mr. Alvarez's Congressional testimony less than a month ago, on June 11, 2019...the day before his 69th chemo treatment: LINK

Listen to Mr. Alvarez's 5 minute testimony, but then listen to the next 10 minutes of Jon Stewart's deeply impassioned dressing-down of Congress's "callous indifference"...which has elevated Stewart--in my eyes--as a national hero for working fiercely for the 9/11 first responders.

The Never Forget The Heroes Act unanimously passed the Committee meeting the next day, June 12th, and will likely sail through full House approval, but it's fate in the Senate, and whether it even gets brought to the floor by the Majority Leader for a vote, remains in-question by legislative observers.

Post Edited (Blackjack) : 7/8/2019 12:49:09 PM (GMT-6)