After flying to Long Island last Friday, March 21st., executive producer Judith Rubinger and I were met by Claire Calladine of 9/11HealthNow.org at the airport, and thus we began what was to become a very productive trip. Claire was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule fighting for 9/11 First Responders to become a gracious tour guide and meeting maker. 

First we met with the fine people of Serving Those Who Serve Inc., as they were hosting a healing workshop and conducting some valuable research on 9/11 First Responders. Our many thanks to Dr. Brown, Jose Mestre, Marshall Stackman, Barbara Horn, Nehemiah, and the many others we met there.

As Judith continued her work with the healing workshop, Claire Calladine arranged for me to take my first trip to Ground Zero. I had been to the WTC back in 1994, but am sorry to say I only saw the lower portion of the building then... where one would exit the subway and pass by some shops inside the buildings. This was by far more solemn an occasion, than the one the awestruck, wide eyed, younger man I'd been had experienced. How strange and sad it must be every day for New Yorkers to have this hallowed crater in the middle of their steel and concrete mountains. Although there is little that can be seen from behind the chain link fence and banners surrounding Ground Zero, the implied emptiness of the space that lies beyond those barriers seems to dwarf the message of rebirth promised upon the blue printed vinyl blinders that separate tourist and New Yorker alike from a direct gaze into the pit.

While at Ground Zero, I had the good fortune to meet with Luke Rudkowski, founder of WeAreChange.org , and one of the most fearless people I've ever met. Luke has himself been a key figure in getting the information out about 9/11 First Responders and the health issues they now face. He further proved his dedication to a Samaritan's mission yet again while I was there, when he was arrested for trying to ask NYC Mayor Bloomberg why he was failing to support measures to help the Responders with health care and other relief. Luke continues to inspire and give me courage to get the 9/11 First Responders story out to as many people as I can. Thank you Luke.

Next, I was again in good fortune, as I was able to join John Feal of the Feal Good Foundation, and two bus loads of 9/11 First Responders on a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend hearings before the House Committee on the Judiciary regarding H.R. 847, which is more commonly known as the "James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009".  This too was a first for me, and the proceedings were enlightening to say the least. Many thanks to John Feal, Glen Klein, Vincent Forras, Ann Baumann, and the many other wonderful people I met .

There are many others I met during my short trip to NYC and DC, and wish I could thank you all. More thanks go to Father Mike, Rob P, Scott S, Sander, Lucia and all the rest. Your help, understanding, and kindness is not only helping us to get this film made, you all are the reasons I knew anything at all about the suffering of our brave 9/11 First Responders health problems in the first place.

Until Next Time,
Bless you All - and Keep Up the Good Fight !

Brian Johnson
Filmmaker
Three Works In September



email: Info@threeweeksinseptember.com