Hallelujah! but still more work needs to be done...
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/09/nyregion/ruling-to-allow-9-11-health-fund-to-cover-cancers.html?_r=2&hp
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/zadroga-act-cover-50-cancers-landmark-ruling-article-1.1092366
http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/162739/feds-expand-zadroga-act-to-include-cancer-treatments
Monday, June 11, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
FREE DVDs to 9/11 Responders
Filmmaker Maria Pusateri, the director/producer/writer of VITO AFTER, is offering free DVDs of the award-winning documentary in honor of the 10th anniversary of the completion of the World Trade Center site clean up. If you are a 9/11 Responder, please contact Maria at vitoafter(at)gmail.com for your free DVD (while supplies last).
Thursday, September 8, 2011
NY lawmakers want cancer put on 9/11 fund list...
... 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!
... next year? This should have been taken care of years ago -- it's already too late!
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.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
9/11 Responder Vito Friscia speaks his mind on Bin Laden's death
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."
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."
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Italian Journalist, Author, Vatican Radio Editor Alessandro Gisotti Interviews Vito for Upcoming Book
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!
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!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Vito Friscia and filmmaker Pusateri to be interviewed by Italian Journalist
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.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
"VITO AFTER" ON NY1 NEWS
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
RETIRED NYPD DETECTIVE SHARES STORY OF 9/11 HEALTH STRUGGLE
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
9/11 DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER AND RESPONDER ATTEND SCREENING IN NYC SEPT 28th, 7:00pm
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 28th at 7:00pm (32 Second Ave., at 2nd 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 9th anniversary of September 11th. 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
32 SECOND AVE. (AT 2ND 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.
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 11th 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/
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.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Vito After screening in filmmaker's L.I. hometown on Sept 11th as it premieres in London on same day
FILMMAKER AND RESPONDER APPEARING AT SCREENINGS
“VITO AFTER” A HIT AT LOCAL EVENT
“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 11th. 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 11th, 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.
FOR PRESS/MEDIA: Ms. Pusateri and Mr. Friscia are available for interviews. DVD and high-res images available upon request.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKER
Maria Pusateri is the writer/director/producer/
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.
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 and works freelance in TV production and P/R.
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
LONDON screening: Lost Theatre - 208 Wandsworth Rd, London, SW8 2JU, Saturday, September 11th, 10:30am
(Unfortunately, the FD4W Film Festival website has been down due to a virus, so no link can be given at this time.)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
VITO AFTER makes international premiere in London on September 11, 2010...
"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.)
...(more news coming soon.)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Science Backs Heroes of 9/11
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
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Science-Backs-Heroes-of-911-90263797.html?__source=Facebook
Saturday, March 20, 2010
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. ...
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. ...
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....
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....
Monday, February 8, 2010
Why Do Sick 9/11 Responders Have to Fight So Hard to Get Help They Deserve?
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?
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?
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