What do the stories of Thomas Phelan and Keith Young tell us about the long-term effects of 9/11? Include at least three details from the text in your response.
The stories of Thomas Phelan and Keith Young both highlight the long-term effects of 9/11 on individuals and their communities. Firstly, these stories show that exposure to the toxins and pollutants produced by the attacks can have serious health consequences. Phelan, who worked as a ferry captain and helped evacuate people from lower Manhattan, died in 2018 from cancer likely caused by his exposure to these toxins. Similarly, Young, who was a New York City firefighter who responded to the attacks, experienced health issues for years afterwards before passing away in 2017 from respiratory failure.
Additionally, these stories demonstrate the lasting emotional impact of 9/11. Phelan and Young both suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affected their daily lives and contributed to worsening health issues. Phelan's family reported that he would often wake up in the middle of the night with nightmares, while Young's sister stated that he struggled with survivor's guilt and felt like a "dead man walking" after the attacks.
Finally, these stories reveal the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made on 9/11. Phelan and Young both risked their lives to help others on that fateful day, and their service should not be forgotten. As Phelan's wife stated, "We must never forget the sacrifice that our first responders made, just like Tommy did." By remembering and acknowledging the long-term effects of 9/11, we can work to support those who continue to suffer from its aftermath and honor the bravery and selflessness of those who responded to the attacks.