By Julie Shapiro
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
LOWER MANHATTAN — Nearly three months after Congress passed the landmark 9/11 health law, sick first responders are still struggling to understand what the law will mean for them.
"Before the bill passed, there was a lot of anger and frustration," said John Feal, a 9/11 recovery worker and advocate. "Now that the bill has passed, there's a lot of anger, frustration and anxiety. "
This Sunday, Feal is hosting an event at Queens College that he hopes will provide some peace of mind for 9/11 responders. A team of lawyers vetted by Feal will be on hand to explain the new law and tell people what they need to do to get the compensation they deserve.
"This is a chance for 9/11 responders, volunteers and people from lower Manhattan to come and ask any questions they may have about the benefits that are available for them and their family," said Feal, founder of the FealGood Foundation.
Some questions don't yet have answers — or at least not the kind of answers sick responders want to hear.
One of the most frequent questions Feal receives is whether the law covers cancer. It does not, but it leaves open the possibility that some cancers could be added as new research confirms the connection between specific illnesses and exposure to 9/11 toxins.
The law also does not allow those who have previously received federal compensation to reapply for more, but Feal is optimistic that government officials could change that as they administer the law.
The federal government has not yet appointed a "special master" to oversee the claims. The law goes into effect July 1.
The FealGood Foundation's forum will be held March 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Queens College's Kupferberg Hall, 6530 Kissena Blvd. at the Long Island Expressway. The campus is accessible by car and the Q17, Q25, Q34 and Q74 buses.
