ASPCA Pet Rescuer, Zadroga Supporter, Diane DiGiacomo, Dies of Cancer

Diane DiGiacomo, who worked for the ASPCA, inhaled noxious fumes while rescuing pets following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The firm is saddened to announce that Ms. DiGiacomo, who fought for Zadroga Act reauthorization, died of breast cancer related to her World Trade Center exposure.

Port Washington, USA – December 1, 2015 /PressCable/ —

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the first responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, offers condolences to the family and loved ones of Diane DiGiacomo, 52, a client of the firm, who developed breast cancer after rescuing pets from homes that were impacted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks; Ms. DiGiacomo had been working as a special investigator for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Newsday reports that Ms. DiGiacomo spent the last days of her life continuing to advocate for reauthorization of the Zadroga Act, which offers medical treatment and compensation to sick responders and survivors. Ms. DiGiacomo’s brother, Paul, vice president of the New York Police Department (NYPD) Detectives Endowment Association, said, “I feel she had a purpose. She had to get the message out before she left her loved ones.” Ms. DiGiacomo was surrounded by her son, Stephan; sister, Donna; and brother, Paul, when she died in her New Jersey home. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/aspca-worker-dies-9-11-related-cancer-article-1.2442333

Parker Waichman comments that many responders and survivors depend on the Zadroga Act’s two programs, the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The WTC Health Program, which was allowed to expire on October 1, 2015, provides medical treatment to 33,000 people and monitors an additional 70,000. The VCF, which is slated to expire next October, provides compensation. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act seeks to permanently extend these benefits. The firm continues to fight for permanent reauthorization and stands alongside 9/11 heroes such as Ms. DiGiacomo.

“How many more of our 9/11 heroes need to die before this Zadroga legislation gets passed?” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman. “Ms. DiGiacomo selflessly put herself in harm’s way to rescue these animals on behalf of American families, yet she still had to fight tooth and nail for the benefits she needed and deserved.” Newsday reports that DiGiacomo’s workers compensation claim for breast cancer was “shockingly denied” just days before her death.

“Even in her final days, Ms. DiGiacomo continued to fight for others,” said Mr. McCauley. “She advocated for permanent reauthorization of Zadroga benefits so other responders and survivors would be able to get the help they need.”

Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, including taking part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation’s capital, often along with the firm’s clients—other responders and survivors. Parker Waichman continues today to fight for permanent extension of the Act, taking part in numerous lobbying efforts and being part of delegations.

The firm comments that toxic exposure has been linked to many serious health conditions, such as cancer and respiratory conditions. Most recently, a study published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine on November 16, 2015 looked at rates of physician-diagnosed chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) among firefighters in the decade following 9/11. The authors found that “The risk of CRS in FDNY firefighters appears increased with WTC-exposure, and has not diminished by time since exposure.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26574577 The firm continues to support the Zadroga Act and remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of responders and survivors. In fact, Parker Waichman assisted with the research on, and creation of the “Take Acton” tool that enables citizens to review Congress members’ activities concerning the Act. The tool may be accessed at the Renew 911 Health Organization’s website.

The firm fights alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments, and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure that all of the deserved Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or for assistance with a claim, please visit Parker Waichman’s website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

For more information about us, please visit http://www.yourlawyer.com/long-island

Contact Info:
Name: Parker Waichman
Organization: Parker Waichman LLP
Address: 6 Harbor Park Drive Port Washington, NY 11050
Phone: 516-466-6500

Release ID: 97954