Few things are more meaningful than helping those who reach out to us asking for assistance. At Voices of September 11th we provide hope and healing. Last year we helped several thousand individuals who suffer from the effects of 9/11, as well as those who were impacted by other tragedies around the world.
The holidays are a time for all of us at VOICES to count our many blessings and thank each of you who have contributed to our work this year. Your generous support and donation of time and talent has provided us with the opportunity to help thousands of individuals, making a difference in their lives and the well-being of their families. The programs you support have given these remarkable individuals hope and healing.
VOICES hosted our Annual Resiliency Symposium and Information Forum on September 9 and 10 in New York City. The two-day event included presentations, panel discussion and workshops by leading experts who shared their expertise along with updates on available resources. This year we were honored to have a delegation from Canada in attendance, along with representatives from organizations working in the United States and abroad.
On Tuesday, the US Senate voted 97-2 in favor of the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, joining the House of Representatives in supporting legislation that will provide compensation for responders and survivors who are suffering and dying from life-threatening illnesses
VOICES 11th Annual Always Remember Gala will be held on Tuesday, September 24 at the New York Athletic Club in New York City. Our annual gala is always a testimony to the strength and resiliency of the 9/11 community as we come together to reflect and remember.
Join us on September 9th and 10th for clinically informed presentations from leading researchers, mental health practitioners and victim support organizations and insightful presentations, panel discussions and peer-to-peer opportunities designed to promote healing and resilience
All of us at VOICES are deeply saddened by the loss of our cherished friend and leader, Kurt Wolfgruber, who passed away last week after courageously battling pancreatic cancer. For over a decade, Kurt served as VOICES Chairman of the Board guiding the organization with integrity, compassion and enthusiasm.
It is with deep sorrow that we regret to inform you that our dear friend and leader, Kurt Wolfgruber, passed away peacefully this morning following a brief, but serious illness. For over a decade Kurt served as Chairman of the Board at Voices of September 11th, with dedication and commitment to ensuring all those impacted by 9/11 had the support they needed to heal.
Responders and survivors stricken with 9/11-related illnesses need our help. In the days and months following the attacks, over 90,000 responders who worked in the recovery effort and 400,000 survivors who lived, worked, or went to school in the area were exposed to toxins in Lower Manhattan. Today over 40,000 are in treatment for life-threatening illnesses, including over 100 cancers. With each passing day others are diagnosed and sadly, over 2,100 have died.
During the month of May we are promoting Mental Health Awareness, a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. VOICES has always been a staunch proponent of promoting resiliency through education and connecting individuals with resources that promote mental health wellness. Building awareness and destigmatizing treatment for mental health conditions is the first step.