Founder John Feal 9/11 Responder

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Dear [Presidential Candidate]

My name is John Feal, President and founder of the FealGood Foundation. I am among thousands of First Responders who rushed to Ground Zero to help in the recovery and clean up operations following the horrible day that occurred almost six years ago. Due to an accident at Ground Zero, I have lost half my foot and spent eleven weeks in the hospital. Unfortunately, my situation is not unique; thousands of brave souls were injured or have become sick due to their heroic efforts. Many are still haunted by the memories of that day and the work they performed over the next several months at the site.

In order to help my fellow First Responders I started the FealGood Foundation. Since its inception the organization has blossomed, now representing hundreds of people within the 9/11 community. The Foundation has assisted these heroes in getting the basic benefits they deserve, earned and desperately need. In order to help illuminate the difficulties these men and women face in obtaining even proper health care, I personally advised film maker, and now friend of the 9/11 community, Michael Moore during the making of his latest, film SICKO. This film illustrates only some of the myriad of problems faced by First Responders; many now feel deserted by their own government.

The First Responder community needs, now more than ever, a President who will aggressively seek to aide them in their pursuit of the health care needs and benefits. Based on such need, it is respectfully requested that you address the following questions:

- What is your plan to help alleviate the financial difficulties faced by First Responders?

o Do you have a plan to help expedite the Social Security Disability applications and improve the overwhelming delays in hearing requests?

- How would you eradicate the lack of proper health care coverage many First Responders now face?

- Would you be in favor or reopening the Federal Compensation Fund in order provide restitution to First Responders who did not become ill until after the initial fund was closed?

- Would you support a bill which allows for government funded health care coverage for the civilians (i.e. non-First Responders) of lower Manhattan who have suffered health impairments causally related to the World Trade Center Attack?

This country needs a leader who shows understanding and compassion for the every day plights faced by ordinary men and women. That leader must possess a cogent plan in order to aide all Americans and must have an equally strong strategy on how to assist those that gave so much when the country needed it the most

Thank you for your time and attention. I wish you well in your candidacy and look forward to working with you to improve the lives of First Responders nationwide.

Sincerely,

John E. Feal

President FealGood Foundation.