Ground Zero first responder needed major surgery decades after 9/11 exposure: ‘I thought it was over’

Volunteer EMT Mordechai Shedrowitzky required major surgery decades after his exposure to Ground Zero dust following the 9/11 attacks. Shedrowitzky describes a prolonged medical struggle characterized by numerous hospitalizations and the use of steroids. His condition eventually led to a diagnosis of a rare airway disease. Despite initial hopes that his health issues had concluded, the long-term effects of the toxic environment necessitated significant surgical intervention to address his ongoing respiratory complications.