Documentary Dedicated To Late 9/11 First Responder

My sincerest condolences to the Quibell family. I haven't held a fund-raiser for the responders in quite a while. Mostly what I've done is convince others that their efforts should include fund-raising for the first responders. Mark Peters told me the other day that he makes an effort every month to at least send something to the FealGood Foundation. That sounds like an excellent idea, and one that everyone should try to do. - Jon

Source: newsday.com

BY MICHAEL FRAZIER
8/29/2008

Racked by pain and the ravages of leukemia, first responder Gregory Quibell of North Babylon allowed film crews to record poignant moments of his life.

For weeks, his visits to doctors and his struggles to pay medical bills were captured for a documentary called "Save the Brave," which premiered last night at the Bellmore Theatre in Bellmore.

The film's opening is dedicated to Quibell, 53, who died Wednesday night at his home, friends said. The film features three other first responders living with Sept. 11-related illnesses.

"The movie had no actors in it. They were real-life heroes," said John Feal, the film's producer, who is president of the nonprofit FealGood Foundation and advocates for sick Sept. 11 responders. "Greg is proof that heroes are dying, and it's unacceptable."

The three others featured in "Save the Brave" are former New York City firefighter John McNamara of Shirley, former FDNY chief Jim Riches of Brooklyn and former emergency services worker Charlie Giles of Barnegat, N.J.

A DVD of the film will be sent to Congress to highlight the need for a national Sept. 11 health bill, Feal said. Lawmakers are considering a proposal that would create federal programs for medical treatment and compensation for ill responders and residents living near Ground Zero.

Anne Marie Baumann, senior vice president of the FealGood Foundation, said she became involved in the foundation after her husband, Christopher Baumann - an NYPD officer - had multiple health issues after working at Ground Zero.

She said if one thing comes from the documentary being released, she hopes it's "that the bill is passed. I know the sickness isn't going to stop, but the pain can stop."

In February, Quibell, a state correction department worker, traveled to Washington and demanded more money for health programs for those who responded to the terrorist attacks.

Quibell was one of several dozen search-and-rescue workers deputized by federal authorities to assist at Ground Zero. In the aftermath, he suffered from pulmonary fibrosis and then was diagnosed late last year with leukemia.

He said exposure to toxins at the World Trade Center site led to his health problems.

Feal said yesterday that he was at Quibell's bedside when he died. The two had a final, full conversation on Friday. The movie, which took two months to make, didn't come up during that talk. They focused on family: Quibell's four children and fiancee, Theresa Galoppe.

"He knew he was dying," Feal said. "He just said please make sure Theresa and the children are taken care of. He died a hero. He didn't complain. He just wanted to make sure everyone is taken care of when he was gone."

Kenny Porpora contributed to this story.

It's heartbreaking & criminal how the first responders were

made to suffer & die like that, while struggling to pay medical bills no less!

Is "Save the Brave" available for purchase on DVD? I hope it plays in many theaters & all over the web too!

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Consider mass emailing truth messages. More info here: http://www.911blogger.com/node/13321

DONATE!!!

There's no reason not to!
Even if its $5, $10, or $20 a month!
Just do it! Once a month is better than nothing!
And if you can donate more, go for it!

There's no reason none of us should. The health issues of 9/11 First Responders and their plight is a major element
in all of our 'search for the truth'... The least we can do is use the money most of us would use to buy a beer on something
worthwhile, something with a cause!

Pleae, please, PLEASE... http://www.FealGoodFoundation.com <--- Donate TODAY! :-)

Regards,
Mark in Philly
http://www.FealGoodFoundation.com