9/11 Responders Coping in the Aftermath and VITO AFTER Documentary Updates

NY lawmakers want cancer put on 9/11 fund list...

2011-09-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

... Read more from article in today's Crain's.

... next year? This should have been taken care of years ago -- it's already too late!

2011-09-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

9/11 Health Watch: Zadroga Act Watchdog Ensuring 9/11 Bill Fulfills Promises

Click to read this article from the Huffington Post. This is a great organization that will help to make sure sick responders get the care they need, and especially to include coverage for cancer patients. Why we actually need a watchdog organization to ensure this all happens is a sad reality.

9/11 Responder Vito Friscia speaks his mind on Bin Laden's death

2011-05-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

Vito was interviewed about bin Laden's death in a local newspaper article, "Bin Laden's death 'bittersweet' for Valley Streamers".
Here's an excerpt, please click on the link above to read more...
"It was great news," said the Valley Stream father of two about bin Laden's killing. "I just can't believe they finally got him. ...
There will never be true closure for Friscia, however. "It's just one piece of the puzzle that's taken care of," he said. "There were a lot of other people involved." Still, he added, "It was a good moment for America."

Italian Journalist, Author, Vatican Radio Editor Alessandro Gisotti Interviews Vito for Upcoming Book

2011-05-04T04:06:00.000-07:00

Vito and I very much enjoyed meeting Alessandro Gisotti, Italian journalist, author and Vatican Radio editor. Alessandro came to New York in February to interview Vito, myself, and others for his upcoming book, "9/11. An Enduring Story." Gisotti's first book was published last year, God and Obama: Faith and Politics at the White House.

We met Alessandro downtown, not far from Ground Zero, at St. Peter's Church, and then went to a local coffee shop for an engaging conversation. He had found out about my documentary, VITO AFTER, online and wanted to include a chapter about Vito in his book. Alessandro was very interested in learning more about how Vito is coping in the aftermath of his 9/11 rescue and recovery work.

Later, Alessandro and I met with Michael Arcari, executive director of Faithful Response, and one of their therapists, Janice Cilento. Faithful Response provides mental health services to New York metro area residents still struggling with mental health, emotional or family issues caused by 9/11 and related events, including the Global War on Terrorism.

Arcari and Cilento talked about the status of too many responders who are still coping with Post Traumatic Stress, and the ripple effect of this very sad situation on their families and communities. I learned a lot more about PTSD from listening to their conversation, and was saddened to be reminded that so many people are still suffering terribly from their 9/11 experiences.

I want to thank Alessandro for his fervid interest in these vital issues, which have not gotten enough exposure in the media, and for including it in his book. Alessandro: It was a real pleasure meeting you, and I wish you all the best for much success with your project, and Vito and I look forward to seeing you again when you come to New York!

Vito Friscia and filmmaker Pusateri to be interviewed by Italian Journalist

2011-02-18T05:49:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note about some interesting news: an Italian Journalist from Rome, Alessandro Gisotti, is coming to New York at the end of the month to interview Vito and myself for his upcoming book on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. He's also an editor at Vatican Radio. Stay tuned for a recap of how that went.

"VITO AFTER" ON NY1 NEWS

2011-02-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

Check out this segment on NY1 News that aired in October 2010. Great piece about Vito!
RETIRED NYPD DETECTIVE SHARES STORY OF 9/11 HEALTH STRUGGLE

9/11 DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER AND RESPONDER ATTEND SCREENING IN NYC SEPT 28th, 7:00pm

2010-09-28T03:57:00.000-07:00

September 28, 2010 (New York, NY) – VITO AFTER (aka: Vito After: A 9/11 Responder Copes in the Aftermath), an award-winning documentary, will be screening tonight at the Anthology Film Archives, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28^th at 7:00pm (32 Second Ave., at 2^nd St). Director/producer/ writer Maria Pusateri and former NYPD detective Vito Friscia—the main subject of the film and Pusateri’s brother-in-law—will be attending for a Q&A session following the screening, and an afterparty nearby.(Interviews prior to screening by request.) Two short documentary films will be shown before VITO AFTER, in the NYWIFT (New York Women in Film and Television) sponsored screening program entitled “Living in the Aftermath of 9/11”.

The highly-praised VITO AFTER has had several local screenings this month to commemorate the 9^th anniversary of September 11^th. For filmmaker Pusateri, these screenings also represent a tribute to the thousands of 9/11 responders, volunteers and others from all over the country who are still suffering, or who have died, from 9/11-related illnesses. The film follows Friscia during the two years following his 9/11 rescue and recovery work as he copes and refocuses his life with support from his family, friends and colleagues. The film has been rated four stars by Filmcritic.com who calls it "An intriguing and powerful documentary that uses one man's story to personalize the devastating aftermath from [9/11]."

The 9/11 Health Bill will be voted upon again this week, and, hopefully, will finally be passed. Vito Friscia said: “It’s a disgrace that it’s taken this long to get these devastated responders the help they need.” Pusateri is grateful that Vito isn’t as gravely ill as so many who are suffering serious 9/11-related illnesses. “However, thousands of people like him continue to cope with chronic 9/11-related ailments,” says Pusateri, “and they’re left wondering whether their conditions will worsen, if they’ll develop a life-threatening illness, and if so, will they get the help they’ll need.”

Pusateri hopes her film will help bring greater awareness to the plight of the 9/11 responders: “People have already forgotten that the rescue and recovery workers worked tirelessly, under daunting conditions, sacrificing their safety, their emotional and physical health—and their lives, to help bring closure to victims’ families. They are truly unsung heroes.”

WHAT: SCREENING AND Q&A, “VITO AFTER” (aka “VITO AFTER: A 9/11 RESPONDER COPES IN THE AFTERMATH” - INTERVIEWS w/ FILMMAKER, MARIA PUSATERI and FILM’S MAIN CHARACTER, FORMER NYPD DET. VITO FRISCIA

WHEN: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th - 7:00PM (screening starts) (Q&A approx. 8:10-8:30pm)

*INTERVIEWS BEFORE SCREENING UPON REQUEST STARTING 5:30PM, CALL 516-729-7455

WHERE: ANTHOLOGY FILM ARCHIVES, MAYA DEREN THEATRE

32 SECOND AVE. (AT 2^ND ST) , NYC

(AFTERPARTY FOR ATTENDEES AT DEMPSEY’S PUB, 61 Second Ave., NYC)

For additional information about VITO AFTER and to view trailers, visit www.vitoafter.com.

NYWIFT SCREENING INFO: “Living in the Aftermath of 9/11”.
DVD and high-res images available upon request.

ABOUT THE FILM:

VITO AFTER takes a vital look at the emotional impact of 9/11 and the emerging health crisis by going beyond the headlines and focusing on one NYPD detective's personal struggle. Vito Friscia, a dedicated homicide detective and devoted family man, selflessly helped others on September 11th, and then spent months sifting through toxic rubble hoping to bring closure to victims’ families. The film follows Friscia for almost two years as he copes in the aftermath, with the support of loved ones and colleagues. This intimate portrait of an everyday hero reveals a powerful renewal of the human spirit and insight into the lives of thousands of responders who are paying an emotional and physical price for their bravery.

FilmCritic.com rated the film four stars, calling it, "An intriguing and powerful documentary that uses one man's story to personalize the devastating aftermath from [9/11]." Vito After was chosen to be part of the 9/11 film collection in the library of the USS NEW YORK, the battleship forged with steel from the World Trade Center. The film had its international premiere on September 11^th this year in London at the FD4W Film Festival, and has been an official selection at numerous film festivals in the United States over the past five years, including the Vermont International, Rochester High Falls, and Global Peace Film Festivals. VITO AFTER received the Best Documentary Award at the Long Island Film Expo in 2006. The film is being distributed by Tribeca Film Institute’s Reframe Collection.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER

Maria Pusateri is the writer/director/producer/executive producer of Vito After. Maria has worked in various aspects of television and film production and publicity; and she has also performed as an actress. Pusateri’s passion and vision for filmmaking—exploration of people's intimate worlds through the social issues impacting their lives, was inspired by witnessing her brother-in-law’s emotional trauma and health issues, and wanting to bring greater awareness to the problems faced by 9/11 rescue and recovery workers.

Prior to creating her debut documentary, Vito After, Maria was an associate producer at Cablevision for MetroTV’s Unblinking Eye, where she earned several Omni and Communicator Awards, plus a New York Emmy nomination for Programming About the Arts. The nomination was forFood For Thought, a play reading series featuring Elaine Stritch, Judith Light and John Shea, among others. Pusateri created over 40 shows forUnblinking Eye, covering cultural arts events in and around New York City, from literary arts to music and film. Her work included producing, directing and conducting interviews, ranging from man-on-the street to celebrities, such as Harrison Ford, Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Pusateri also directed and produced lifestyle segments, shopping tips and film reviews for the channel. Maria’s film production credits include wearing many hats on the sets of the short "Kung Fu Granny," and "Split Ends," a feature film directed by Dorothy Lyman.

Ms. Pusateri is a programmer for New York Women in Film and Television’s (NYWIFT) film series and has served on their documentary committee. Pusateri is developing her next documentary project which will explore the educational gap in low-income communities, and works freelance in TV production and P/R. Maria is currently assisting Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Cynthia Wade (Freeheld), with her upcoming HBO documentary about women and cancer.

2010-09-22T03:53:00.000-07:00

Grim Toll of 9/11 Casualties Keeps Rising - NY POST 9/12/10

Vito After screening in filmmaker's L.I. hometown on Sept 11th as it premieres in London on same day

2010-09-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

FILMMAKER AND RESPONDER APPEARING AT SCREENINGS
“VITO AFTER” A HIT AT LOCAL EVENT

September 10, 2010 (Syosset, NY) – VITO AFTER (aka: Vito After: A 9/11 Responder Copes in the Aftermath), an award-winning documentary, will be screening in the filmmaker’s hometown to honor the anniversary of September 11^th. Director/producer/ writer Maria Pusateri and former NYPD detective Vito Friscia—the main subject of the film and Pusateri’s brother-in-law—will be attending for a Q&A session following the screening, at the Syosset Library at 2:00pm. The film will also make its international theatrical premiere at London’s FD4W Film Festival (Film Directing For Women) earlier that day.

Pusateri is delighted to be sharing the film with her local community and happy that Vito will be speaking with her there and at upcoming screenings on Long Island and in NYC (see schedule below): “Vito hasn’t attended many screenings in the past. This will be the first time he’ll be at Long Island showings, which is great since he lives on the Island and local audiences look forward to meeting him.”

The documentary was a hit this Tuesday in Hewlett, NY; and the audience thoroughly enjoyed talking to Vito and had many questions for him. “It’s always so rewarding to see your film really connect with an audience and get such a fantastic response,” says Pusateri. News12 LI covered the event, interviewing Vito and the filmmaker who said she thought “Vito handled it ‘like a pro’. It definitely was good for him to be talking about it again.”

Although the first-time filmmaker could not get to London for the film’s screening on the same day, she is thrilled VITO AFTER was selected to be shown in FD4W’s inaugural festival, noting there are too few film festivals celebrating women filmmakers. She is also thankful her film is screening in London on September 11^th, a fitting commemoration to honor all those who died on that fateful day—including 67 Britons, and so many others from around the world.

For Pusateri, these screenings also represent a tribute to the thousands of 9/11 responders, volunteers and others from all over the country who are still suffering, or who have died, from 9/11-related illnesses. “The film remains as relevant today as when it began screening at film festivals in 2005,” says Pusateri, “Perhaps even more so—unfortunately, because of the ongoing and growing health crisis from World Trade Center toxic dust exposures.”

Maria is cautiously optimistic that the 9/11 Health Bill will, finally, be passed, and appreciates President Obama’s recent push for the bill to go through; but, like so many others, has been frustrated at the incomprehensibility of why it has taken this long. “The responders deserve better; and as Vito said, ‘it's a disgrace’ that they’ve had to fight for the past nine years to get the help they need," she says. "Thankfully, Vito isn’t as ill as those suffering from devastating 9/11-related illnesses. However, thousands of people like him are still coping with 9/11-related ailments; and although their conditions may not be very serious now, it’s like they’re 'waiting for the other shoe to drop'–wondering whether their conditions will worsen, if they’ll develop a life-threatening illness, or may die.” Pusateri added, “Tragically, there is a huge second wave of 9/11 victims, not only these responders, but also thousands of non-responders who are ill and dying—including volunteers, local residents and office workers, even some children.”

Pusateri hopes her film will help bring greater awareness to the plight of the 9/11 responders: “People should not forget, the rescue and recovery workers worked tirelessly, under daunting conditions, sacrificing their safety, their emotional and physical health—and their lives, to help bring closure to victims’ families. They are truly unsung heroes.”

ABOUT THE FILM:

VITO AFTER takes a vital look at the emotional impact of 9/11 and the emerging health crisis by going beyond the headlines and focusing on one NYPD detective's personal struggle. Vito Friscia, a dedicated homicide detective and devoted family man, selflessly helped others on September 11th, and then spent months sifting through toxic rubble hoping to bring closure to victims’ families. The film follows Friscia for almost two years as he copes in the aftermath, with the support of loved ones and colleagues. This intimate portrait of an everyday hero reveals a powerful renewal of the human spirit and insight into the lives of thousands of responders who are paying an emotional and physical price for their bravery.

FilmCritic.com rated the film four stars, calling it, "An intriguing and powerful documentary that uses one man's story to personalize the devastating aftermath from [9/11]." Vito After was chosen to be part of the 9/11 film collection in the library of the USS NEW YORK, the battleship forged with steel from the World Trade Center. The film has been an official selection at numerous film festivals in the United States over the past five years, including the Vermont International, Rochester High Falls, and Global Peace Film Festivals; VITO AFTER received the Best Documentary Award at the Long Island Film Expo in 2006.

For additional information about VITO AFTER and to view trailers, visit www.vitoafter.com.

FOR PRESS/MEDIA: Ms. Pusateri and Mr. Friscia are available for interviews. DVD and high-res images available upon request.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER

Prior to creating her debut documentary, Vito After, Maria was an associate producer at Cablevision for MetroTV’s Unblinking Eye, where she earned several Omni and Communicator Awards, plus a New York Emmy nomination for Programming About the Arts. The nomination was for Food For Thought, a play reading series featuring Elaine Stritch, Judith Light and John Shea, among others. Pusateri created over 40 shows for Unblinking Eye, covering cultural arts events in and around New York City, from literary arts to music and film. Her work included producing, directing and conducting interviews, ranging from man-on-the street to celebrities, such as Harrison Ford, Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Pusateri also directed and produced lifestyle segments, shopping tips and film reviews for the channel. Maria’s film production credits include wearing many hats on the sets of the short "Kung Fu Granny," and "Split Ends," a feature film directed by Dorothy Lyman.

VITO AFTER September / October Screenings
(with Filmmaker Maria Pusateri & Vito Friscia attending for Q&A, unless otherwise noted):

Syosset Public Library: Saturday, September 11th, 2:00pm
Long Beach Public Library: Monday, September 13th, 2:00pm* (no Q&A, Pusateri & Friscia not attending)
Long Beach Public Library: Monday, September 20th, 7:00pm
Anthology Film Archives, NYC (NYWIFT screening): Tuesday, September 28th, 7:00pm
Port Washington Public Library: Thursday, October 14, 3:00pm

LONDON screening: Lost Theatre - 208 Wandsworth Rd, London, SW8 2JU, Saturday, September 11^th, 10:30am

(Unfortunately, the FD4W Film Festival website has been down due to a virus, so no link can be given at this time.)

2010-08-22T03:11:00.000-07:00

Purchase VITO AFTER DVD here.

VITO AFTER makes international premiere in London on September 11, 2010...

2010-08-22T03:03:00.000-07:00

"Vito After" has been selected to screen at the FD4W Film Festival in London, on September 11th -- making its international theatrical premiere. It's rewarding to know that the film is just as relevant today as it was when it began showing in film festivals in 2005...or perhaps even more so. Please support this vital film. If you know someone in London, or you'll be there during that time, please go and see it, and send your friends. Info about "Vito After" can be found at vitoafter.com. Filmcritic.com rated it 4-stars, calling it “An intriguing and powerful documentary that uses one man's story to personalize the devastating aftermath from the deadliest terrorist attack ever on U.S. soil.”
...(more news coming soon.)

Science Backs Heroes of 9/11

2010-04-09T05:16:00.000-07:00

Great News! ... but wondering why study doesn't include NYPD Detectives

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Science-Backs-Heroes-of-911-90263797.html?__source=Facebook

2010-03-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Federal Judge orders more talks on 9/11 deal
NY TIMES March 19, 2010
The federal judge overseeing litigation between the city and workers at ground zero on Friday rejected a settlement, telling lawyers that it did not provide enough compensation to plaintiffs and needed to be renegotiated under his supervision. ...

2010-03-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

Sound Judgement
NY DAILY NEWS - March 20, 2010
Finally, after almost nine long, painful, shameful years, someone has stood up for the rights and the well-being of the Forgotten Victims of 9/11....

Why Do Sick 9/11 Responders Have to Fight So Hard to Get Help They Deserve?

2010-02-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

Obama Admin. Opposes 9/11 Health Funding for First Responders dying from WTC Dust Inhalation
Vito had a birthday last week on February 2nd, and I'm so glad I was able to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY... Sadly, thousands of responders are not as fortunate. Please see this page and take a minute to watch the videos. Where's the justice in this and why do these 9/11 responders have to fight so hard to get the help they should be getting without question?

NY1 - Gillibrand and 9/11 Responders Demand Help from President

2010-02-08T05:42:00.000-08:00

Gillibrand Urges President To Support 9/11 Health Bill - NY1.com

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand put President Barack Obama on the spot at a meeting with Democratic senators Wednesday, asking if he would commit to working with Congress to pass a fully funded and comprehensive 9/11 health bill....."Some people have even died, some people are incapacitated, some people are gravely disabled, so we need to do everything we can to protect them and make sure their health care is covered," said Gillibrand." ...(read more)

2010-02-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

Thank you Rep. Carolyn Maloney, we hope you get your meeting with the President! Maloney asks for meeting with President Obama for 9/11 healthcare funding...

2010-01-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

SUPPORTERS DEMAND MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR VICTIMS OF WTC-RELATED ILLNESSES

2010-01-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

9/11 First Responder Health Bill Urged at Zadroga Salute at Ground Zero

Praises for "Vito After" from CATHOLIC LIBRARY WORLD and LIBRARY JOURNAL

2009-12-11T10:22:00.001-08:00

Excerpts from reviews:

CATHOLIC LIBRARY WORLD, December 2009-
"Vito After...could have easily been schmaltzy and sanctimonious in the hands of a lesser-skilled filmmaker. To the contrary, in this subtle and provocative character study, award-winning director and producer, Maria Pusateri, gives us a poignant and intimate portrait of Detective Friscia's battle with the emotional and physical toll the events of 9/11 have taken on him, his family, his squad, and really all of us.
...He is indeed representative of the overwhelming majority of cops in this country: a dedicated and hardworking professional and family man who is deeply concerned about his community. It is a story whose lessons the rest of us too often forget or ignore, brilliantly told, and that every American should experience."
- Vincent P. Tinerella

LIBRARY JOURNAL, December 2009-
"Vito After...follows Vito Friscia, a New York City homicide detective who spent months after 9/11 sifting through toxic rubble without adequate face or body protection. Years later, he along with other detectives, is suffering from respiratory-related and other maladies. This touching film exposes this tragedy's human side and would be an excellent companion to classroom instruction."
- Manya Shorr, Omaha, P.L.

Looking for VITO AFTER Updates?

2009-12-09T04:27:00.000-08:00

If you have seen the film and would like an update on Vito's condition, or any other information from the film, please contact me at: maria(at)dreamslate.net

WTC Doctor on 9/11 Findings, Frustrations

2009-09-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

Dr. Moline was interviewed for the film and appears in one scene of VITO AFTER. She has been, and continues to be, a major force in trying to get help for those who are ill from their toxic 9/11 exposures. It's very frustrating that she has to spend so much of her time fighting for funds to keep the WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program going. I'm sure her talents could be used more wisely working within the program, making improvements to help these victims.
..............................
Dr. Jacqueline Moline Discusses Medical Findings and Funding Challenges of the WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program.

(CBS) Dr. Jacqueline Moline is director of the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Recently she talked to CBSNews.com about the program's most recent medical findings, its funding challenges and the frustrations of sick 9/11 workers. Below are excerpts of the interview. ...
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/10/national/main5300567.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody

Four-Star Review for Vito After : )

2009-08-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you Mr. Gibron and filmcritic.com.
"An intriguing and powerful documentary..."
.......................................................
A film review by Bill Gibron - Copyright © 2009 Filmcritic.com
For New York City police detective Vito Friscia, the months after 9/11 have been very difficult indeed. Haunted by the memories of that fateful day, the duty he and his fellow officers had to endure, and the lingering physical and psychological effects of same, he remains resilient... or at least, he tries. It's not easy, especially with so many in the fraternity suffering a similar fate -- or worse. Still, he needs to remain focused, for his family, for the girl's soccer team he coaches, for his own peace of mind. But as with any life-altering incident, it's not always easy. At the insistence of his concerned sister-in-law, Maria Pusateri, Friscia agrees to sit down before the camera. Thus begins Vito After, an intriguing and powerful documentary that uses one man's story to personalize the devastating aftermath from the deadliest terrorist attack ever on U.S. soil. As part of the investigation into what happened that fateful day, Ground Zero (and eventually, a nearby landfill) are designated crime scenes, detectives needed to sift through the rubble for anything that can help bring closure to the case. This includes victims' identification, mementos, even body parts. In total, the police spent weeks working the location, desperate to help authorities and the victim's families gain closure. Engulfed in a near constant cloud of powdered concrete and various other toxins, many in Friscia's force have developed what they now jokingly refer to as "WTC cough," and much of Vito After centers on our subject's stubbornness when it comes to seeing a doctor. With a constant drip in his sinuses and other lung concerns, we see him argue with his wife and the director herself over the proper course of treatment. He finally agrees to be examined on the condition that his better half stops smoking. A dinner table discussion of the subject between Friscia and his family (including a young daughter and son) is a moment of levity in an otherwise somber affair.Vito After manages to get a lot of information across in a mere 49 minutes. We hear from other officers who worked with Friscia, their gallows humor approach covering a wealth of concerns. There are also a few talking head "experts" thrown in to emphasize the dangers involved. While never dry, they do tend to take away from what is an otherwise engaging portrait. It is said that a documentary is only as good as its subject, and in Friscia, Pusateri finds an intriguing hook. He's definitely a member of the Men in Blue brotherhood, caught up in the honor and duty such a position implies. But he's also a young man, made up of the doubt and fears that come with witnessing a horrific event. Since filming started in 2002 (lasting through 2004), we get a nice overview of time and its healing properties. Friscia enjoys telling the camera how focused and "fine" he is, but there are moments when the façade falls and we can see how complicated his feelings really are. There have been a few suspicious deaths since the investigation, young men dying suddenly from heart and other previously non-existent pulmonary conditions, and even with his brave demeanor, every trip to the doctor reads like a possible death sentence to Friscia. His discomfort is understandable, and obvious.While we are living with the political toll every day, the personal side of 9/11 seems mostly forgotten. A fine film like Vito After should remind us that, even if the world realigns itself toward a more peaceful path, that horrific fall event will remain with many of us forever -- whether we like it or not. Aka Vito After: A 9/11 Responder Copes in the Aftermath.

2009-08-26T02:31:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of 9/11 first responders die of cancer - RT Top Stories. Why isn't this covered all over the U. S. major media? Hello? !!!!

Faithful Response - anonymous support for responders

2009-08-25T20:20:00.001-07:00

If you are a 9/11 responder having difficulties coping, you can receive anonymous mental health support, please seek help at Faithful Response.

9/11 responder praises "Vito After"

2009-08-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

I'm very honored and grateful for this email from a 9/11 responder. Sadly, he is among the thousands suffering from lung disease.

"I first want to thank you for taking the time to immediately send the DVD out to me. It just goes to show what a special person you are. My wife and I sat down to watch, I was a bit reluctant to watch with her, being I have shut out as much memories of those two years of my life as possible. The film was excellent! It captured every real aspect of what we truly went through, it was kind of like watching my life story. I will admit I broke down a few times during the film, it brought back a lot of memories--the brotherhood of how everyone became so close as we worked so many hours each day, day after day in hope of finding someone, sleeping at St. Paul's church, passing the growing number of posters of the missing put up by their loved ones was heart breaking, but gave us the energy to go on, the land fill, the boiling ground below us, the question of the masks was so right on. The [stages] of WTC medical monitoring--I laughed at this point [filling out the intake survey] when you asked: will all cops answer this way?....most of us lied!!!! and checked off a lot of "not at all" -- that's how cops are, we had to uphold the tough guy image. You did a wonderful job. I will show this to family and friends, who will appreciate it as much as I did. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to show people what we went through, and for sending me this film. God bless you and your family. I wish Vito the best of health always....just one of "The Greatest Detectives in The World".

'Symbol of everyday heroes' Valley Stream man is subject of film on Sept. 11 health issues

2009-08-20T23:37:00.000-07:00

This article was on the front page of the VALLEY STREAM HERALD last week. Thank you Andrew Hackmack!

'Symbol of everyday heroes' Valley Stream man is subject of film on Sept. 11 health issues

By Andrew Hackmack
August 20, 2009

Though Maria Pusateri finished her documentary about the health of Sept. 11 responders four years ago, she is still working hard to get the word out about the film. "Vito After" features Valley Stream resident Vito Friscia, a now-retired New York City police detective who was at ground zero following the 2001 terrorist attacks.

While with the NYPD, Friscia recalled, he was on his way to the World Trade Center site after the south tower fell and was about a block and a half away when the north tower collapsed. He worked in "the pit" at ground zero for about a week after the attacks, then was stationed at the Fresh Kills Landfill in Staten Island, where he helped sort through the rubble.Friscia, a father of two, said he started developing health problems almost immediately. By November of 2001, Pusateri, his sister-in-law, was already talking about making a film about the illnesses he and other Sept. 11 responders were suffering from. "This is not right," Pusateri said she remembers thinking at the time. "The responders are getting sick."

By April of 2002, shortly after Friscia stopped working at the landfill, she had convinced him to be her subject. "Vito After" follows him through his daily activities, medical visits and conversations with other first responders from the NYPD. Friscia said that although the police department had doubts about his doing the film, he felt it was important to get the information out.

Now, almost eight years later, Friscia still suffers from chronic sinusitis, a swelling of the sinuses. He has a regular cough, occasional shortness of breath and rashes, and his voice is more hoarse. Many others who responded to the World Trade Center or worked alongside him at the landfill have the same symptoms. Some are extremely sick, he said.As a result of his health issues, Friscia said, his overall quality of life has changed. "When I do get sick now," he said, "I get sick worse than I usually do."

He retired from the NYPD in August of 2007. A graduate of East Rockaway High School, Friscia has lived in Valley Stream for 20 years. He and his wife, Lisa, have a daughter, Lisa, 17, and a son, Vito, 12. He coaches his daughter's team in the Valley Stream Soccer League and his son's Colts baseball team. Pusateri, of Syosset, said she began showing her 48-minute film at festivals in 2005. She won the Best Documentary award at the 2006 Long Island International Film Expo in Bellmore. But "Vito After" has attracted little attention, she said, and she wants people to know about the health issues Sept. 11 responders are dealing with.

"Vito After" is available on Amazon and has also recently become available on Netflix. "You can't put that on yourself," she said. "Netflix has to approve it. They liked it a lot, obviously."Copies are also available at the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library. Pusateri said she will send a free copy to any Sept. 11 responder. She described the documentary as an "uplifting and honest film," and Friscia as a remarkable subject. "He's really a symbol for all of these everyday heroes," Pusateri said. "It's important that people get an intimate look at what someone like him is going through."

Mike Arcari, executive director of Faithful Response, said he uses the movie as a training tool for his therapists. Faithful Response, which is based in North Bellmore, provides mental health support for those impacted by the events of Sept. 11. "If you were there and you were affected by it, we provide you assistance," Arcari said. He added that "Vito After" provides insight into how families have been affected by the attacks, and it reminds people that Sept. 11 is more than just the sobering numbers of dead and injured. "It puts a face on the tragedy," Arcari said of the movie. Friscia, who is taking part in a study of Sept. 11 responders that monitors their health, said he hopes the film gains a wider audience, because many people don't realize what still-suffering police officers, firefighters, rescue personnel and other workers and volunteers are going through.

The House Judiciary Committee recently approved a portion of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, to provide long-term comprehensive health care for those who were sickened or injured in the aftermath of the attacks. A vote by the full House is expected by the eighth anniversary of Sept. 11 next month. Friscia said he hopes the law passes and believes it is only right. "I hope they take care of us," he said. "I don't think that's a lot to ask. We all got sick so fast."Comments about this story? AHackmack@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
©Herald Community 2009

I would just like to clarify two things in the above article: where I mentioned it hasn't attracted much attention, I meant it hasn't yet attracted the attention of the major media (which so many feel it deserves). I'm grateful for all the high praises it has received from people who have seen it, at film festivals, other screenings, and those who have reviewed it. I also need to clarify that the free DVD offer is for 9/11 responders who are ill and having financial difficulties. (There is a standing 50% discount for any first responder, whether or not you were at WTC.) Please email maria(at)dreamslate.net for further details. Thank you.

9/11 Health Fallout - that time of year again...

2009-08-11T06:15:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year when the media gives some overdue attention to the 9/11 health crisis -- which should be a much bigger story that is more widely reported year-round .... so, why don't they cover it more thoroughly?

If anyone doesn't believe these illnesses were caused by the toxic WTC dust, they must be living under a rock! It’s heartbreakingly tragic that these heroes have to suffer from such devastating illnesses. Thousands of responders are just waiting for the other shoe to drop, wondering if they or their colleagues will be next; and many continue to suffer emotionally from their experiences as well. They were just doing their job, and now their lives may be taken from them. How many more stories like this do we have to hear before the government passes the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act?

9/11 Responders May Be At Raised Myeloma Risk
Cases are appearing at a younger age than is normal, researchers note
U.S. News & World Report

Immune System Cancer Found in Young 9/11 Officers
NY Times - The Associated Press