Retired firefighter Robert Serra fears his medical issues caused by 9/11 will prevent him from watching his kids grow up.

 

"Now I'm just hoping I live long enough for them to remember me," said Serra as he fought back tears.

 

The Great Kills resident was sent to Ground Zero the day after graduating from the fire academy, and says his health has suffered ever since.

 

"I was diagnosed with GERD, acid reflux, IBS, and the most recent is thyroid nodules which I'm waiting to have biopsy," Serra said.

 

Serra depends on a health program for 9/11 first responders and volunteers called the Zadroga Act but part of it expired earlier this month.  Although there are enough resources to last into 2016, he will eventually stop receiving benefits unless lawmakers act. 

 

Congressman Dan Donovan joined Serra at his home on Midland Road Tuesday to call on Congress to permanently extend it.

 

"It would be national disgrace if one of our heroes dies to lack of medical treatment," said Donovan.

 

"Experts say it takes 20 years for asbestosis, and asbestos related cancers to appear, so we haven't even gotten to the bad part yet," said Serra

 

Serra isn't alone - Congressman Donovan says more than 6,700 heroes in his district rely on these programs to fund their medical care.

 

"It's the largest contingency of people in the fund in all America are our Congressional district," Donovan said.

 

"The very people, that rushed into Ground Zero, when America needed help, are the ones who need help now," said Serra.

 

Serra says his families future depends on it.