In an highly anticipated announcement on the eve of the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health said that first responders, emergency workers, volunteers and residents who worked in or lived around the smoldering wreckage will now be able to receive treatment for diseases contracted from exposure to the toxic wreckage.

Robin Roberts, GMA Anchor Picture Source

In a shocking announcement on Monday, beloved Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts revealed that she is now fighting myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS. Roberts believes that her breast cancer treatments several years ago may have led to the development of MDS.

It was upon attending the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s annual Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma back in June, that I first learned of Mesothelioma Awareness Day and the foundation’s plans to descend on New York City in September. As a survivor of the disease myself, the idea intrigued me but I didn’t really think it was going to be realistic for me to go.

The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is recognizing Mesothelioma Awareness Day with a number of special features on our site! Check back throughout the day to see our coverage of the day. Below are some of the special events we’ll be featuring today.

Surely 9/11 touched each and every American significantly. It was the end of American innocence, sending a powerful message about our place in the world. Today, almost without exception, each of us can say that because of that bright September morning, we have been changed for life. Mothers were left without sons; brothers without brothers, and friends were taken from friends by this senseless act of violence. Unfortunately, the ultimate legacy of 9/11 many still bear as they deal with the long-lasting health effects associated these terrorist attacks.