The collapse of the twin towers on 9/11 exposed thousands of survivors and responders, like Mark Villari, to toxic smoke, fumes, and dust particles. He’s still coping with the health effects.

“I was in the lobby of One Liberty Plaza when the South Tower came down,” the electrical engineer recalls. “So much dust entered the building that you couldn’t see in front of you.”

On the day of the disaster, Villari, who oversees elevators and electrical systems for a real estate management company, evacuated employees from the property. In the aftermath, he rigged up temporary power and supervised the extensive cleanup. Twenty stories of broken windows had to be boarded up. Elevator shafts at One Liberty and another property, the World Financial Center, needed vacuuming. Despite the health risks, he never hesitated. “I just felt like this is my job; this is what I have to do.”

Thus began a medical odyssey that continues to this day—some 23 years after the events at ground zero.

Surviving Colon, Bladder, and Prostate Cancer

Villari had no noticeable symptoms until 2005. Bothered by belly pain, he agreed to have a colonoscopy, and follow-up testing confirmed the diagnosis: he had colon cancer. “I was completely blindsided,” says the father of four, who was 48 years old at the time.

Part of his colon had to be removed, and he took oral chemotherapy to prevent a recurrence. Yet, the following year, a PET scan revealed a large tumor growing outside of his stomach. After months of IV chemotherapy, he had another surgery to remove more of his colon.

Significant complications cropped up along the way. In 2013, doctors performed laparoscopic surgery to repair an abdominal hernia, thought to be a consequence of prior surgery. In 2014, he noticed blood clots in his urine. After cystoscopy, a procedure to examine his bladder and urethra, he developed an infection that required hospitalization and long-term antibiotics.

In 2015, Villari’s wife, Cindy, insisted he seek a second opinion, and that’s when he transferred his care to NYU Langone Health, where the urology team confirmed two new diagnoses: bladder and prostate cancer. After more chemotherapy, urologic oncology surgeon Samir Taneja, MD, performed a radical cystectomy, removing Villari’s bladder and prostate. Although Villari has required other urologic procedures over the years, he is currently doing well.

Care and Counseling for World Trade Center Responders

Fortunately, survivors like Villari need not go it alone. The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence at NYU Grossman School of Medicine provides treatment and counseling to address a wide range of illnesses related to the disaster—at no cost to eligible individuals. Medical expenses for WTC-related treatment, including surgeries, scans, and supplies, are fully covered. It is one of seven centers that were established by the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to provide monitoring, screening, treatment, and support services to responders, survivors, and residents.

“We strive to provide a safe space and compassionate care for people who were affected physically or mentally as a result of their 9/11-related service,” says Denise J. Harrison, MD, the program’s clinical director. “When responders come to us for care, they become part of a community that receives expert treatment informed by our decades-long familiarity with the events that day.”

Villari has been part of the program since 2013, when the federal government first recognized colon cancer as a WTC-related health condition. Over the years, Dr. Harrison and her team have expedited needed tests, surgical approvals, and appointments. As part of the program, he has participated in group therapy with other 9/11 cancer survivors. “Just talking about it and knowing you’re not alone is comforting,” he says.

In October, he’ll go for his annual screening with a team of doctors, nurses, and technicians to assess his physical and mental health. The annual monitoring visit typically includes a physician exam, blood work, urinalysis, and pulmonary function testing.

“NYU Langone saved my life a bunch of times, and the World Trade Center Health Program has been nothing but great for me,” he insists.

Reflections on Family, Career, and Cancer

Villari celebrates his 68th birthday this month, and he’s not looking to retire. He could have gone on disability long ago, but his medical oncologist at the time encouraged him to stick with the job that he loves, a role that gives him purpose. “He looked me in the eye and said, ‘If you can keep working, please keep working,’” Villari recalls.

Though there were times his family thought they were going to lose him, Villari has shown that he’s a fighter. He’s determined to stay positive, especially now that he has three young grandsons to hold and cherish. “Family is the best medicine,” he says.