Albany, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato celebrated the enormous victory of securing $2 million in State funding to test 2,000 blood samples of 9/11 first responders. In 2022 Pheffer Amato partnered with former Assemblyman Michael Cusick to secure $1 million for a groundbreaking research project to test 1,000 blood samples of 9/11 first responders for cancer genomics and identifying precancerous genetic mutations. Over the past 4 years the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Hospital has been working on this state-of-the-art detection process to look for certain mutations that have historically been linked to cancerous cells before they develop into cancer. Earlier this year they released the results: out of the 1,000 blood samples tested, over 130 individuals had markers to indicate precancerous genetic mutations. While these individuals weren’t sick, the test indicated that something was wrong with their blood. It was solely through this study that doctors at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Hospital, led by Dr. Amit Verma, were able to refer these heroes to early treatment, which is believed to likely stop the diseases before they become serious.

While excited about the original progress, Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato was determined to obtain the remaining funding needed to finish the research project. During the 2026 NYS Budget negotiations, she fought tirelessly to ensure $2 million was included in the final budget - and it was! “This is incredible work. We are clearly standing at the precipice of some revolutionary research and are already saving the lives of the heroes who helped New York on the worst day in our history,” said the Assemblywoman. “I am humbled to see that New York State guaranteed funding in the 2026 budget to finish this study and thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to helping the 9/11 heroes.”

According to the experts, this research has the possibility of going beyond cancer detection. It was shown that these genetic mutations found in the original 130 blood samples are also associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and other inflammatory conditions, many of which are already known to be elevated among the World Trade Center-exposed populations. This research also advances the broader field of early cancer detection and prevention. “Lessons learned from this study may inform screening strategies for other high-risk populations and contribute to earlier intervention approaches that benefit the public at large - and it’s all being done thanks to the funding from this State budget. As we approach the 25th anniversary, New York stands completely committed to helping our incredible first responders - and this is proof of that,” said Pheffer Amato.