WASHINGTON -- A 9/11 first responder with liver cancer, who testified last week before a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee, has entered hospice care, according to multiple reports.
The New York Post says former NYPD detective Luis Alvarez, who responded to Ground Zero, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Facebook, saying there was "nothing else the doctors can do to fight the cancer.”
Alvarez and comedian Jon Stewart made headlines for their emotional pleas for lawmakers to support the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Alvarez showed up to testify before a nearly empty panel despite having chemotherapy the next day. His cancer has been linked to the work he did after the 2001 terror attacks.
Fox News reports Alvarez said he was "still fighting" on Wednesday.
After Alvarez and Stewart's testimony, the House Judiciary Committee voted to permanently reauthorize the victims' fund. It now goes to the full House for a vote. If it clears the House, it would head to the Senate for consideration. It's unclear if it will be brought up for a vote on the Senate floor. According to CBS News, Sen. Mitch McConnell said he "will look at it."
What other people are reading right now:
- State attorney's office overturns 17 cases after 3 Tampa cops were fired
- Teenager who had flat tire attends prayer vigil for men who died trying to help her
- Governor signs bill legalizing electric scooters in Florida
- Deadly crash closes US 301 in Riverview
- Man gets probation after pleading guilty to molesting 11-year-old girl, giving her an STD
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now.
Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
