Lower Manhattan – On Wednesday night, the Barasch & McGarry Foundation presented $25,000 in scholarships to six college‑bound students whose families have been touched by illnesses tied to the September 11 attacks. The ceremony highlighted the enduring impact of the tragedy on a new generation and underscored the foundation’s commitment to supporting those who have faced both emotional and financial hardship.
Scholarship recipients share personal stories
Sophia Cucuzza, whose mother, Jaime Cucuzza, worked near Ground Zero, recounted the harrowing diagnosis her mother received. “Doctors told her she had only three months to live, and she said, ‘absolutely not, I am going to power through,’” Sophia said. “She wanted to see me grow up, and I’m forever in awe that she lived long enough to watch me become a little older.” Sophia, now studying nursing, hopes the scholarship will help her fulfill a lifelong desire to care for others, just as her mother cared for her.
Ian Dannenfelser, another recipient, honored his grandfather, a volunteer firefighter who died of cancer linked to his service at the World Trade Center site. “He didn’t have to go there. He wanted to,” Dannenfelser said. “He would have gone the day of if he could have, but they told him to wait. He is truly one of my heroes.”
Foundation’s mission and the role of federal assistance
Michael Barasch, co‑founder of the Barasch & McGarry Foundation, explained that the scholarships aim to recognize the sacrifices of families who lost loved ones to 9/11‑related illnesses and to provide tangible support for their children’s education. “I want them to know that their parent or grandparent didn’t die in vain,” Barasch said.
Barasch also reminded attendees that the federal Victims Compensation Fund, established after the attacks, remains a vital resource for survivors. “There’s help available. There’s free healthcare. There’s compensation. And yet so many people—especially civilians—still don’t realize it,” he added.
Ongoing health concerns and early detection efforts
Dr. Kerry Kelly of the FDNY World Trade Center oncology unit reported that new cancer cases continue to surface, averaging about 30 new diagnoses each month. While some cases are less severe, many are significant. “The good news is we’re trying to catch cancers earlier,” Dr. Kelly said, emphasizing the importance of early detection and continued medical monitoring for first‑responders and nearby residents.
Impact on the students and their future plans
All six scholars expressed gratitude for the financial assistance, noting how the awards will ease the burden of tuition, books, and living expenses. Sophia, who spent much of her childhood in hospitals while her mother underwent treatment, said, “They really did help my family and help my mom, so I wanted to be that person for someone else.” Each recipient plans to pursue higher education in fields ranging from nursing and public service to engineering and the arts, carrying forward the legacy of resilience and service demonstrated by their families.
Community response
The event drew local community leaders, educators, and representatives from nonprofit organizations, all of whom praised the foundation’s dedication to honoring the sacrifices of 9/11 families. Attendees highlighted the importance of local charitable initiatives that address both the lingering health effects of the attacks and the educational aspirations of the next generation.
As the scholarship recipients prepare to embark on their college journeys, the Barasch & McGarry Foundation’s support serves as a reminder that the spirit of solidarity and hope continues to thrive in Lower Manhattan, even decades after the tragedy.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
