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John talked with Len Berman and Michael Riedel about his foundation. John has been raising money and helping families since the attack. John said he's been to over 200 funerals over the past 23 years.
The PACT Act, which was meant to help veterans receive care and benefits after being exposed to toxins and burn pits while serving their country, was billed as the most sweeping piece of veteran healthcare legislation ever passed. But for some veterans, like those exposed to things like the “black goo” and even cyanide at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base, also known as K2 – it was not sweeping enough. Military.com's veterans and health reporter Patricia Kime spoke to several veterans about being left out of this law after years of advocacy and months of political turmoil. What does being left out mean for their futures? How are they grappling with illnesses that advocates say should be covered by the VA's biggest healthcare law? In this episode: Jon Stewart, John Feal, Patricia Kime, Drew F. Lawrence, Shane Liermann, Rosie Torres
John talked with Len Berman and Michael Riedel about fighting Congress for funds for Ground Zero workers who were sickened from working at Ground Zero.
Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special for the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 featuring David Paine, President and co-founder of 9/11 Day. David Paine discusses his experience on September 11th, 2001, his efforts to create a day of service out of that horrific tragedy, and the work to get 9/11 Day recognized as a federal holiday. John Feal, Founder of the Feal Good Foundation, also joins the show. John Feal describes his experience on 9/11, his organization's work ensuring no responder gets left behind, and his battles with Congress to pass health care legislation for emergency responders suffering from the toxic aftermath of the September 11th attacks.
Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special for the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 featuring David Paine, President and co-founder of 9/11 Day. David Paine discusses his experience on September 11th, 2001, his efforts to create a day of service out of that horrific tragedy, and the work to get 9/11 Day recognized as a federal holiday. John Feal, Founder of the Feal Good Foundation, also joins the show. John Feal describes his experience on 9/11, his organization's work ensuring no responder gets left behind, and his battles with Congress to pass health care legislation for emergency responders suffering from the toxic aftermath of the September 11th attacks.
John Feal was not an activist; he was a carpenter and a demolition specialist from Long Island, New York. He was a 9/11 responder, and while at the site on September 17, a piece of steel crushed his left foot. He twice applied for compensation from the September 11th Relief Fund, and was denied—even though his injury had been deemed “life-threatening and catastrophic.” Because it occurred ninety-six hours after the initial event, he didn't qualify for assistance. "I had to eat a lot of humble pie to realize that I'm fallible and I can get hurt and I can lose half a body part and I can bleed.” -John on recognizing his own vulnerabilities and how that fueled his desire to help others. The experience made John realize that he was vulnerable—and so were other injured 9/11 responders. “When I got hurt on September 17, that was, at the time, the worst day of my life. Little did I know it'd probably be the most important day of my life,” he told me. “My injury was gruesome and horrific. And I know now that it pales in comparison to those who are deathly ill or who have passed away. I am so minute and so small compared to these men and women in uniform and non-uniform that are dying every day or every week from 9/11-related illnesses.” For the past fifteen years, John has been working tirelessly for health benefits for 9/11 responders who suffered devastating injuries and illnesses in the aftermath of the cleanup work they did at Ground Zero. FealGood Foundation: https://fealgoodfoundation.com/ Source: https://www.purposefulbook.com/john-fealThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5351305/advertisement
John Feal is the President & Chairman of the FealGood Foundation which advocates for all emergency personnel (firefighters, police officers, nurses, volunteers, sanitation workers, transportation workers, construction workers etc.) within the United States who have been injured, or face serious injury due to action or omission, in the course of their duties or within their everyday lives. The mission of the FGF includes educating elected officials and private entities on the various problems, concerns and issues faced by first responders in their everyday duties. John continues to lobby for healthcare & compensation owed to first responders who helped on September 11, 2001. He talks about working with comedian Jon Stewart on this worthy cause and what still needs to be done moving forward to give these heroes lasting peace of mind. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jbkonair/support
John is the leader of the Feal Good Foundation and has appeared before Congress with Jon Stewart fighting for money to take care of the people who are sick from working on the pile at the World Trade Center.
It's Casual Friday! Sam and Emma host Alex Pareene, Contributing Editor at the New Republic and proprietor of the AP newsletter on Substack, to round up the week in news. Then they are joined by Lucas Kunce, candidate for U.S. Senate in Missouri, to give us an update from the campaign trail. Afterwards, they're joined by comedian Andy Kindler, host of the Thought Spiral podcast! First, Sam and Emma dive into legislative updates from the Senate, from the Manchin-Schumer IRA deal and its backlash, to the GOP putting a stop to healthcare for veteran victims of agent orange, with the latter largely coming from the GOP's desire to punish democrats for the former (with Same-Sex Marriage reform also a potential right-wing punching bag). Alex Pareene then dives into why he won't hold his breath until the IRA bill is signed, as he explores the behind-the-scenes surprise at Manchin's maneuver, the op-ed pieces from the establishment placing the blame on him that pushed him over the edge, and the insanity of that being the final factor. Next, he, Sam, and Emma dive into the climate provisions as a reasonable first step in the right direction, the CHIPS bill as an important turn against globalization and towards a locally resilient supply chain, and the threat of Schedule F as we move into the midterms. They wrap up the interview by tackling the evergreen question of the neoliberal philosopher, “recession or nah?” Sam and Emma are then joined by Lucas Kunce as he walks through his experience running for Senate in Missouri just four days ahead of his primary, what sets him apart from the billionaire heiress running against him, and dives deep into the role of LGBTQ rights, reproductive care, and single-payer healthcare in his platform, before wrapping up with a conversation on his position as a veteran, and what lense that gave him into the oligarchy of defense contractors in the US. And in the Fun Half: Andy Kindler joins as he, Sam, and Emma parse through Jim Breuer's hour-long audition tape of him defecating with funny noises and calling it political comedy, before Sam and Emma dive into Jimmy Dore moving from generic reactionary anti-vax rhetoric to full on Scientological dianetics (fully researched, as seen in how well he reads the title of the study). Doocy and Kilmeade get real Fox and Frenemies on the question of trusting a poll that shows both Biden and Trump's numbers tanking, Justice Alito goes to Rome to complain about foreigners, and John Feal eviscerates the GOP's blockage of a bill for Veteran healthcare, plus, your IMs! Check out the AP newsletter here: https://theap.substack.com/ Check out Alex's "Politics of Everything" podcast here: https://newrepublic.com/podcasts Check out Lucas's campaign here: https://lucaskunce.com/ Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! http://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: http://majority.fm/app Check out today's sponsors: Sunset Lake CBD: sunsetlakecbd is a majority employee owned farm in Vermont, producing 100% pesticide free CBD products. Great company, great product and fans of the show! Use code Leftisbest and get 20% off at http://www.sunsetlakecbd.com. Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattBinder @MattLech @BF1nn @BradKAlsop Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on Youtube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Subscribe to Discourse Blog, a newsletter and website for progressive essays and related fun partly run by AM Quickie writer Jack Crosbie. https://discourseblog.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder - https://majorityreportradio.com/
John talks with Len and Michael about the 9/11 fund. He and Jon Stewart have been working to raise money for the 9/11 workers who have developed cancer and other deadly diseases. Chuck Schumer promised the foundation 3 billion dollars.
With 115 days until the midterm elections, Anthony looks at the polls and is shocked (shocked!) to learn that Democrats and Republicans have something in common again - they both want a new standard bearer. Sorry America, but this is the fate you've chosen. We also share feelings about the President fist bumping “pariahs” and the latest travails of former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Its Jason's birthday, the last week of Jordan's camp and a week of exciting news about Huma. And the music today is in honor of our late friend Neil Sherman. Special guest, John Feal of the FealGood Foundation. https://fealgoodfoundation.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On September 9th, 2021 – nearly 20 years to the day of September 11th, 2001 – 700 attendees joined the New York Chapter of the United Federation of Teachers, and the Law Firm of Barasch & McGarry– leading advocates for the 9/11 community – for an event to bring awareness to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and World Trade Center Health Program. One of the speakers at this event was John Feal, who participated in the cleanup process following the attacks and sustained injuries in an accident that led to the loss of his foot. In the years since, he's been advocating for 9/11 victims' healthcare rights, founding the FealGood Foundation, and making multiple trips to Congress to speak on behalf of the survivors and first responders who were living and working during that time.
This week on the Richard Crouse Show Podcast we get to know Rob Lindsay, director of “No Responders Left Behind,” a documentary about the fight waged by former “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, social activist John Feal and FDNY hero Ray Pfeifer to get health benefits and compensation for 9/11 first responders. The film is now streaming on Discovery Plus in Canada. Then, Rebecca Ferguson, star of the much anticipated sci fi movie “Dune” stops by to talk about her character Lady Jessica, and why she described reading the book to be like doing a crossword puzzle. Then, Elaine Taylor Plummer stops by. She is a former actress. You've seen her in comedies like “Diamond for Breakfast” and “Half a Sixpence,” and she was even a Bond girl in 1967's “Casino Royale.” She dropped by the show today to talk about her husband of more than 50 years, the late, great Christopher Plummer and a new commemorative stamp issued by Canada Post in his honor. The couple met while filming Lock Up Your Daughters in 1969, and were together until the actor's death in 2021 at age 91.
This week on the Richard Crouse Show Podcast we get to know Rob Lindsay, director of “No Responders Left Behind,” a documentary about the fight waged by former “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, social activist John Feal and FDNY hero Ray Pfeifer to get health benefits and compensation for 9/11 first responders. The film is now streaming on Discovery Plus in Canada. Then, Rebecca Ferguson, star of the much anticipated sci fi movie “Dune” stops by to talk about her character Lady Jessica, and why she described reading the book to be like doing a crossword puzzle. Then, Elaine Taylor Plummer stops by. She is a former actress. You've seen her in comedies like “Diamond for Breakfast” and “Half a Sixpence,” and she was even a Bond girl in 1967's “Casino Royale.” She dropped by the show today to talk about her husband of more than 50 years, the late, great Christopher Plummer and a new commemorative stamp issued by Canada Post in his honor. The couple met while filming Lock Up Your Daughters in 1969, and were together until the actor's death in 2021 at age 91.
In the spring of 2019, former host of The Daily Show Jon Stewart gave an impassioned speech during his testimony to the U.S. Judicial Committee, where he criticized Congress for not providing aid to thousands of sick and dying 9/11 First Responders. Jon's speech went viral almost immediately. However, the journey that brought him to that fateful hearing began eighteen years earlier by the most unlikely of people: a construction worker named John Feal. For nearly two decades, John Feal dedicated his life fighting for the rights of First Responders and volunteers who came to help in the 9/11 rescue and recovery operations. John wasn't just an advocate, he was also a fellow responder who was injured working on the pile. Together, John Feal and Jon Stewart put an international spotlight on the injustices being served to the entire 9/11 community. Their relentless activism resulted in the U.S. Senate passing the Zadroga Act and Victims Compensation Fund, a health and compensation bill that gives medical and financial assistance to thousands of terminally ill 9/11 First Responders. NO RESPONDERS LEFT BEHIND follows John and Jon over the span of several years during their grassroots social advocacy campaigns. These two unsung heroes inspire and encourage a whole new generation of people to dedicate their lives to activism. John and Jon never took no for an answer. Instead, they fought tirelessly for years so that all the heroes of 9/11 were taken care of. NO RESPONDERS LEFT BEHIND shines a light on a group of grass root social activists who took on the government and won—simply because it was the right thing to do. Director Rob Lindsay stops by to talk about the protracted and insanely frustrating journey for the men and women who devoted their waking life to securing the legislation to provide appropriate medical care, as well as how the making of No Responders Left Behind changed him. For news and updates go to: paradoxpictures.net/no-responders-left-behind
Former Chicago Police Superintendent, Garry McCarthy, joined the NYC Police Department at age 22. He worked his way up to Deputy Commissioner of Operations and got to the World Trade Center as the 2nd plane hit the South Tower. He was there when the Towers collapsed and lost many friends, but in our conversation he explains why he's glad he was there. On this episode he tells a very compelling story of that day and remembers some of the heroic first responders on 9/11. The Feal Good Foundation is named for its founder, John Feal, a U.S. Army veteran and retired construction worker. John was called to lead a team of demolition experts work the pile at Ground Zero. A steel beam fell on his foot resulting in injuries, surgeries, and big medical bills. He was denied coverage again and again. His experience led him to start the FealGood Foundation to help all emergency personnel who are injured doing their jobs in all areas of their needs.Jon Stewart fought alongside Feal to get financial help and get the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act passed and reauthorized and hammered Congress to act, telling a poorly attended hearing... “It's an embarrassment to the country and it is a stain on this institution. You should be ashamed of yourselves, for those that aren't here, but you won't be." He closed by saying, “They responded in five seconds. They did their jobs with courage, grace, tenacity, humility..do yours.”You can donate here.
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Luke Grant spoke to John Feal, 9/11 first responder, survivor, and founder of the Feal Good Foundation about the 20th anniversary of the deadly attacks. He's told Luke about those still battling because the event, and his fight for fair compensation and support for the thousands of Americans affected. Click play below to listen to the full interview. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Don't accept 'no' when people are suffering, " John Feal, 9/11 Survivor and Advocate On the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, we are honored to have John Feal join as guest on this week's PTSD and Beyond Podcast. John shares his story, journey, and mission to advocate for 9/11 survivors including addressing the need for lobbying members of the U.S. Congress and Senate to provide additional funding to 9/11 responders. The founder of the Feal Good Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for first responder rights and educating elected officials and private entities on the serious challenges first responders face in their everyday lives. "You die one time...You live every day," John Feal Give a listen to this very moving and emotional episode. Share. Download and be reach out to John at: FealGood Foundation Twitter: @JohnFeal2
John Feal was a demolition supervisor at Ground Zero. During the cleanup 8,000 pounds of steel dropped on Feal's foot, leading to partial amputation. After he was denied compensation for his injury by employers, insurance companies, and elected officials, Feal became the leading advocate for 9/11's victims. He took his historic fight to Washington and with the help of comedian Jon Stewart, they passed a series of laws to ensure that those who've sacrificed so much would be taken care of.
Guest Kelly Zemnickis is a Comedian, Freelance Writer, Documentary Filmmaker, YouTuber, Sketch Performer and also a really great person! Her first feature length film documentary “No Responders Left Behind” about John Feal and 9/11 first responders is being released on Discovery+. We talk about her writing process, passion for television and storytelling, making a film and what motivates her. Find Kelly Kelly is on all major social media channels and you can see her fun content here: https://www.youtube.com/c/KellyZemnickis FealGood Foundation Donate to this amazing cause and find out more about their work here: https://fealgoodfoundation.com/ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod@gmail.com
Gaslighting the Warfighter hosted by Rosie Torres. Join Rosie and Tim in talking to John Feal about his work in passing the 9/11 Victims Compensation. John has partnered with John Stewart to lend their playbook to the Burnpits Team to get presumption passed in congress.
Out the gate, our show gets down to the real. Shonali & Christian break it down regarding snuggle buddies during covid, cult leaders and unique social distancing philosophies. The description "Hobbit Ball" was invented in this discussion. Our first guest is John Feal, inspirational activist and founder of The Feal Good Foundation. He was a 9/11 responder and is responsible for enacting 13 pieces of legislation which provides & protect the healthcare of 9/11 and first responders injured and/or currently sick caused by their heroic work. He has partnered with Jon Stewart for years doing this work and they are currently working to pass legislation to provide healthcare for veterans sickened by their work near burn pits. The best description of why John is so successful is that he calls bullshit when he sees it. You must follow him on Twitter @JohnFeal1 (The Real John Feal) to witness this. He was suspended on Twitter for a few days because he is so real. There's so much important here to listen to but takeaways are "America needs a break," "Help a stranger," "Everyone can get involved." Special announcement! We are hosting our own WDEK Election Day Special livestream on Nov. 3rd with special guests from across the country including David Cross, Tash Neal, Jon Glaser, Negin Farsad, John Early and many more. Our final guest is writer, comedian, actress Keisha Zollar. She is the founder of the first UCB all black sketch comedy group, The Astronomy Club which also got its own Netflix series. She has spent the better part of the pandemic in her time working in her studio apartment which she shares with her husband and her dogs, Johnny Cash (just passed away), Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams Sr. Listen to find out what gives Keisha hope these days and how she fulfills the notion of being authentic. Check out her work currently on the reboot of the British satirical television puppet show, Spitting Image and she's working with Lilly Singh on her upcoming special! Stay strong all and catch us on our Election Day Marathon Special on Nov. 3rd on YouTube Live or Facebook Live here.
Director Rick Korn took some time to sit down with the MTR Network and discuss his latest documentary Harry Chapin: When in Doubt Do Something. Singer/songwriter and philanthropist Harry Chapin's best known in music circles for his number one single Cat's in the Cradle. But, Harry Chapin, the man, threw his entire self - and his career - in to being an citizen activist. He wanted to end poverty and hunger in the world; he was willing to dedicate his platform, time and energy wholly to the cause. Watch the Full Interview: https://youtu.be/Wzv2AKPvk3Y Rick Korn is a film/TV producer, writer, and director who works with different non-profit organizations - including WHYHunger, co-founded by Harry Chapin, - producing fundraising concerts. He's last documentary focused on the rescue and recovery 9/11 workers. During its production, Korn interviewed Chapin's former partner, Bill Ayres. His casual query of Ayers wondering why no one's ever made a documentary about Harry elicited the response, "Why don't you do it?" Korn discusses bringing this story to life, his person connection to Harry Chapin and what he how he hopes learning more about Chapin and the activism Chapin dedicated his life to will motivate others to stop doubting, and do something. What Would Harry Chapin Be Doing? Taking up Harry's mission, like many before him, director Rick Korn and his partners are throwing a free docu-concert to encourage people to get out and vote. TONIGHT, Tuesday, October 20, 2020 DO SOMETHING AND VOTE | BENEFIT CONCERT DOCUMENTARY Featuring commentary from: Harry Chapin, John Lewis (final words as read by Morgan Freeman), Jon Stewart and John Feal, Onondaga Indian Chief Oren Lyons, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Greta Thunberg And performances from: Alabama Shakes, Black Puma's, Head and the Heart, Keb Mo, Bruce Springsteen, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Raye Zaragoza, and Harry Chapin Available Free LiveXLive at 8:00 PM ET | Tune in HERE The docu-concert benefits over 25 charities including WhyHunger, LI Cares, Sandy Hook Promise, Fealgood Foundation, and Michelle Obama's When We all Vote. To donate to any of the charities and get voting information, visit https://bit.ly/cauzedosomething. All donations will be matched. Follow more of our Film Festival Reviews and Coverage on our Press Page Page: https://press.mtrnetwork.net Follow us on Social Media: MTRNetwork MTRNetwork @TheMTRNetwork
Director Rick Korn took some time to sit down with the MTR Network and discuss his latest documentary Harry Chapin: When in Doubt Do Something. Singer/songwriter and philanthropist Harry Chapin's best known in music circles for his number one single Cat's in the Cradle. But, Harry Chapin, the man, threw his entire self - and his career - in to being an citizen activist. He wanted to end poverty and hunger in the world; he was willing to dedicate his platform, time and energy wholly to the cause. Watch the Full Interview: https://youtu.be/Wzv2AKPvk3Y Rick Korn is a film/TV producer, writer, and director who works with different non-profit organizations - including WHYHunger, co-founded by Harry Chapin, - producing fundraising concerts. He's last documentary focused on the rescue and recovery 9/11 workers. During its production, Korn interviewed Chapin's former partner, Bill Ayres. His casual query of Ayers wondering why no one's ever made a documentary about Harry elicited the response, "Why don't you do it?" Korn discusses bringing this story to life, his person connection to Harry Chapin and what he how he hopes learning more about Chapin and the activism Chapin dedicated his life to will motivate others to stop doubting, and do something. What Would Harry Chapin Be Doing? Taking up Harry's mission, like many before him, director Rick Korn and his partners are throwing a free docu-concert to encourage people to get out and vote. TONIGHT, Tuesday, October 20, 2020 DO SOMETHING AND VOTE | BENEFIT CONCERT DOCUMENTARY Featuring commentary from: Harry Chapin, John Lewis (final words as read by Morgan Freeman), Jon Stewart and John Feal, Onondaga Indian Chief Oren Lyons, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Greta Thunberg And performances from: Alabama Shakes, Black Puma's, Head and the Heart, Keb Mo, Bruce Springsteen, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Raye Zaragoza, and Harry Chapin Available Free LiveXLive at 8:00 PM ET | Tune in HERE The docu-concert benefits over 25 charities including WhyHunger, LI Cares, Sandy Hook Promise, Fealgood Foundation, and Michelle Obama's When We all Vote. To donate to any of the charities and get voting information, visit https://bit.ly/cauzedosomething. All donations will be matched. Follow more of our Film Festival Reviews and Coverage on our Press Page Page: https://press.mtrnetwork.net Follow us on Social Media: MTRNetwork MTRNetwork @TheMTRNetwork
President of the FealGood Foundation, John Feal, discusses the origins of the FGF, the long road to passing the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, and its most recent battle advocating for Veterans affected by toxic burn pits. The episode contains Jon Stewart's FULL testimony (June 11th, 2019) in front of a House Judiciary subcommittee on funding for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Available on Apple | Spotify | Anchor | Google | Amazon Music or anywhere podcasts are available. IG: @GoodForNowCasts Twitter: @GoodForNowCasts Enjoy. Share. Good for now... Photo Credit: FealGoodFoundation.com Jon Stewart Testimony Audio: C-Span --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/good-for-now/message
The National Defense welcomes comedian Jon Stewart to the show alongside John Feal of the FealGood Foundation to discuss their work on Capitol Hill to get legislation passed for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Randy talks with Jon and John about the process of HUNDREDS of trip to Washington D.C. to support our first responders, as well as them turning their eyes towards more military focused legislation and support. Then, Randy welcomes the host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Stephen Colbert himself, to the show to talk about killing time in arcades, shaving one's head for veterans fundraisers and much, much more! For more great content, visit us online at thenationaldefense.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
FEAL GOOD FOUNDATION: fighting for 9/11 responders
Fingers interviews John Feal, founder of the FealGood Foundation. The foundation assists all emergency personnel across the US who have been injured, or face serious injury, in the course of their duties or within their everyday lives.
Tony winner Laura Benanti and her mother Linda Benanti who perform in an act together, John Feal advocate for victims of 9/11 and recipient of the upcoming Chemotherapy Foundation Humanitarian Award, Jane Goldman, "Celebrity Autobiography" theatrical producer and writer, and Elysabeth Alfano, plant-based expert and media personality join Valerie Smaldone on "Bagels and Broadway" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/11 FIRST RESPONDER/ FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OF THE FEAL GOOD FOUNDATION
The 9/11 bill will be pushed through!
A former New York City police detective who worked at Ground Zero following the Sept. 11 attacks and fought for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund has died, just weeks after testifying before Congress. Luis Alvarez was in hospice care after battling cancer, recently undergoing his 69th round of chemotherapy. He was 53.
Episode 120: John Feal. What do you think when you hear the words First Responders? Do you think EMS, Fire or Police? This week I talk to another First Responder who is not in public safety and was a first responder who was at Ground Zero. On September, 12th 2001 John and his team were ordered to report to Ground Zero in order to aid in the cleanup and recovery mission following the terror attacks. Without hesitation and with a sense of pride in serving his country in a time of need, John and his team reported as ordered. Tragically, on John’s fifth day on site, he became the one that needed aide. While supervising his team a steel beam weight approximately 8,000 pounds came loose from the huge pile of debris, crushing John’s left foot. Jon Feal’s story is unbelievable and his story at Ground Zero has led him down a path that he never knew he was on. Subsequently, John went through years of surgeries and innumerable hours of therapy; as well as extensive stays in the hospital for follow up treatments. John quickly learned the multitude of bureaucratic horrors that come with being severely injured He experienced hurdle after hurdle with mounting medical bills and no income. Fed up with hearing the word ‘No’ from insurance companies, doctors, and elected officials, John decided that no American should be treated so egregiously, especially those that had come to this country’s aide in its greatest hour of need. Once out of the hospital John made it his mission to help alleviate the many obstacles he had endured e founded The FealGood Foundation (FGF). Through its grassroots fundraising, the FGF has raised and donated millions of dollars to individuals gravely affected by the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. Oh by the way when he is not pestering politicians, he found time to donate a kidney. We tell his story this week on the podcast.
No Responders Left Behind with John Feal & Joe Sabia As the Founder of the FealGood Foundation, John Feal has had incredible achievements and continues the tremendous goals he’s set for himself either by choice or challenge. On 9/11/01, this great country witnessed its worst terrorist attack ever on American soil. We lost 2,751 innocent lives to senseless violence. During our nation’s darkest hours, the resolve and testament of the American people were tested. From the toxic dust rose heroes; true American Patriots. These were men and women, uniform and non-uniform who risked their lives without prejudice to ensure the safety of our nation. Since that dark day in history, hundreds and soon to be thousands have lost their lives to 9/11 related illnesses. The FeelGood Foundation’s mission is includes educating elected officials and private entities on the various problems, concerns and issues faced by First Responders in their everyday duties. John has also received the NYS Congressional ‘Medal of Honor for Civilians Above & Beyond’ for his continuous advocacy and for donating a kidney to a complete stranger. http://fealgoodfoundation.com/Joe Sabia was a firefighter in the Commack Fire Department for 30 years, and was a First Responder in the 9/11 disaster, dispatched to the World Trade Center. After retiring, Joe and his family moved to Castle Pines to open his popular restaurant Pino’s Italian Kitchen & Bar. The inspiration for the restaurant was Joe’s father, Pino, who was a very we’ll known Chef from Long Island, NY. When Pino died suddenly of pancreatic cancer, Joe’s wife Allison said, “don’t let his chef legacy die with him”. Pino’s Italian Kitchen and Bar was established in January of 2017, offering the classic Italian dishes inspired by Chef Pino. As a participant in the FeelGood Foundation, Joe generously hosts fundraising events at his restaurant, not only creating additional awareness of FGF, but also raising money so that no responder is left behind. www.pinositaliankitchenbar.com
John Feal former Demolition Supervisor, horribly injured at Ground Zero during the cleanup and recovery. Now advocate and founder of the FealGood Foundation Tim Taylor Real Estate Success Coach, is the definition of someone living up to his title. While working full-time, and with only $338 in his bank account, he started investing in Real Estate in the evenings and on weekends. Within 3 years of investing part-time, Tim's real estate investment track record includes personally owning more than 100 single-family rental properties and numerous multi-unit apartment complexes. He is one of the most sought after real estate success coaches in the United States, and shares the secrets he has come to know and practice onto select individuals through his Live Mentorship and Self-Study programs Francis Jackson attorney who specializes in disability law for those seeking veterans disability benefits and social security disability benefits. A founding partner of Jackson & MacNichol. He has also been quoted in USA Today and is listed in Cambridge Who's Who. Mr. Jackson was honored by the National Academy of Best Selling Authors with a "Quilly" award for his contribution as a joint author to the Amazon best selling book, "Protect and Defend" where he wrote about protecting one's rights to veterans disability compensation Donna Krech regarded as a cutting edge thought leader. She owns several national companies, is a best-selling author and international speaker. She specializes on the specific actions and behaviors that increase production and achievement of goals. And because she has overcome insurmountable obstacles and lives her life by a powerful driving force, her information also brings greater happiness and purpose to those touched by her message.
The 9-11 Dust (Part III) - In this the 3rd of our series on the 9-11 Dust, Visibility 9-11 welcomes to the program John Feal, president of the Feal Good Foundation. One week after September 11th, Christie Todd Whitman stated that, "Given the scope of the tragedy from last week, I am glad to reassure the people of New York and Washington D.C., that their air is safe to breathe and their water is safe to drink.", even as the EPA had information to the contrary. In fact, the 9-11 dust was extremely caustic and in August of 2003, the EPA issued a report showing the changes the Bush administration made to the initial cautionary statements which were originally meant to warn the public of the dangers in the dust. These warnings were changed to reassurances and the public never heard the truth. These lies have resulted in thousands of people getting sick from breathing the toxic dust, and now, over 5 years later, they are dying. If you think our own government isn't capable of deliberately killing its' own citizens, think again. Soon after 9/11, our guest John Feal (a US Army veteran) started experiencing serious respiratory problems, a condition they now call "The World Trade Center Cough." He spent two months in the hospital while he battled with a host of health problems. Because of an arbitrary exclusion in the law, Feal, like many search and rescue workers who were injured during a two-week window at Ground Zero did not qualify for the 9/11 relief fund. Like thousands of others, John risked his own life to save others, but when he became sick and injured, he was abandoned and forgotten. Since 2003, John has acted as a leading advocate for 9/11 heroes who where denied both the benefits promised by the federal, state, local governmental and the charitable aid collected on their behalf. John is also a former board member of Unsung Heroes Helping Heroes, a not-for-profit raising awareness of the plight of 9/11 responders. In addition to assisting 9/11 workers as a whole, John has been active helping Ground Zero workers on an individual basis with administrative issues and by helping first responders get media coverage.Click here to donate to the fund set up by Jon Gold mentioned in the interview.