First responder recounts 9/11 as he battles cancer 25 years later
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, more victims are still coming forward with illnesses linked to their time at Ground Zero.
The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reports a 150% increase in 9/11-related cancer diagnoses over the last five years.
Among those now living with the consequences is former Philadelphia Housing Authority officer James Buclary, who is battling a debilitating blood disease.
Buclary said the attacks felt like a call to serve. "The terrorist attack was a calling. I've always been that type of guy," he said.
After watching the events unfold on television, Buclary drove to Jersey City and took a boat to lower Manhattan.
"I packed my camera, ten rolls of film, a change of underwear and just went," he said.
He still carries the memories of that week.
"I went there to rescue people. And by the next day we realized they were all dead. There was no one left to rescue," he said through tears.
At Ground Zero, Buclary spent his time helping other responders.
"They gave me a shopping cart and I was ferrying water and food to the debris mounds of the two buildings," he said.
He worked long hours with little protection.
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"When we got too dusty, the firemen would wash us down," he said.
"There's no protective gear here, anywhere, because nobody knew at the time," he added.
Two decades later, Buclary was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a 9/11-related blood cancer.
"I go for transfusions twice a week just to stay alive. It's not fun," he said.
His medical costs are covered by the World Trade Center Fund.
"Thank God for that because I'd be out on the street otherwise, because my pills, per month, are almost $30,000," he said.
Despite the toll, Buclary said he has no regrets.
"I'd do it again," he said. "I'd probably wear a better mask."
Buclary said he remains proud of the work he carried out and proud that his son is continuing a legacy of public service as a Philadelphia firefighter.
