Family of 9/11 responder urges federal aid for sick

Paula Rodriguez always wanted to be a nurse. But when she became an emergency medical technician for the New York City Fire Department, she found her true calling.

"She was good at it and she enjoyed its challenges," her son Luke Rodriguez said Tuesday. "She always liked helping people; the job fit her."

Rodriguez, 44, a 15-year department veteran from Lindenhurst, died Sunday after a 6-month battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Her family attributes her illness to her recovery work for three months in the rubble of Ground Zero in the aftermath of the collapse of the Twin Towers on Sept 11, 2001.

No doctor has confirmed that link.

Her family said they will join efforts to press the federal government to pass a 10-year, $5.1-million measure to provide for sick 9/11 first responders.

Last week, the Democratic majority on the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed an amended measure, 33-12. Next up is the House Ways and Means Committee to devise a way to pay for the federal share of $4.59 billion - New York City would pick up $500 million of the cost - before it can go to the floor.

"When it comes to first responders, those are soldiers too," said Rodriguez's niece Stacy Asencio-Sutphen, of Valencia, Calif. "On 9/11 and for weeks and months after they went into a burning building or dug through rubble, no questions asked; with no hesitation. So when it comes to our government they should have no hesitation to help these people in their time of need."

In a statement, sponsor of the legislation, Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan), said she is hopeful the full House will vote on and pass the measure later this month.

"Paula Rodriguez and her fellow 9/11 responders put their lives and health on the line to protect our nation, and the very least we can do is to provide health care and compensation for those who are sick or injured because of their service to America," Maloney said.

Luke Rodriguez, 24, of Levittown, said although his mother had health coverage, others may not be that lucky.

"Not worrying about money would be one less thing for families to worry about as they go through such a horrible ordeal," Rodriguez said.

Survivors, besides Luke Rodriguez, include a second son, Christian Rodriguez of Lindenhurst.

A wake for Rodriguez will be held Wednesday and Thursday at the Walsh La Bella and Son Funeral Home, 70-17 Cooper Ave., Glendale, Queens. A funeral will be held at the Christ Tabernacle, 64-34 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, at 10 a.m. Friday.