A journalist who covered the events of 9/11 over two decades ago has recently been diagnosed with cancer.
Fox News correspondent Eric Shawn has disclosed that he has received a cancer diagnosis, linked to his coverage of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
On that tragic day, nearly 3,000 lives were lost when two hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, leading to its collapse. Additionally, the Pentagon was hit by a third plane, while passengers fought back against hijackers on a fourth, resulting in a crash in a Pennsylvania field.
In the years following the attacks, thousands of survivors have enrolled in a federal health program, citing illnesses due to exposure to harmful substances.
Asbestos, jet fuel, and mercury filled the vicinity as the Twin Towers fell.
Shawn believes he is one of the many affected, attributing his respiratory ailments to the toxic dust inhaled while reporting from the scene.
On the 24th anniversary of the attacks, during a live broadcast, the 68-year-old openly discussed the health challenges stemming from his coverage of the event.
“It is hard to believe that it has been nearly a quarter of a century since that day,” Shawn stated. “Today, again, we all gather here to remember what was lost.”
“While 2,977 people were murdered here that day, the number who have died from 9/11-related illnesses has increased from the toxic dust that was released,” he continued.
Shawn referenced the CDC, which reports that 48,000 individuals have experienced 9/11-related cancers, with 10,000 cases emerging in the past year alone.
Moreover, over 3,700 emergency responders have died since the attacks, with 2,300 succumbing to cancer.
“I have two different diagnoses under the World Trade Center Health program,” Shawn explained, mentioning the federal initiative that assists those impacted.
His diagnoses include cancer and bronchitis, but he considers himself fortunate to be alive today.
“If you were below Canal Street, basically, you were exposed to the dust. I was here reporting on it. That’s what happened with me,” he shared.
“I mean, I’m very, very lucky. I think of all those who are suffering much greater… I’ve lost a few friends from this, of course.”
He further reflected: “Back then, I remember thinking, maybe in 20, 30 years I’ll get something. Well, here it is, 24 years. But I think of everyone who suffered far greater than I.”
“We’re all in this together. I mean, we are. We are all in it together,” he concluded.