Terrorist Attack Book Inspires Song, Donation

Nearing 9/11 Anniversary, Musician Releases Song About Forgotten Heroes

Days after the Twin Towers fell, thousands of first responders aided New York in its devastating crisis, giving Americans a great sense of hope. Seven years later, many of these heroes have been forgotten - and worse, over 15,000 have become gravely ill.

Steven Centore, author of One of Them: A First Responder's Story, was one of the many who volunteered to assist in the immediate aftermath of the attack on September 11, 2001, and then during the eighteen-month long recovery efforts.

Centore's book has shed light on the neglect of these first responders, and caught the attention of New York musician Paul Zunno.

"After reading One of Them, I felt compelled to raise awareness about the great sacrifice that was made by these men and women," says the musician.

In an attempt to get involved, Zunno recorded the new single, Hold Me Up and teamed up with John Feal, founder and president of the FealGood Foundation.

"The attack didn't end on September 11th," says Centore. "It continues to this day as first responders suffer from the aftereffects. It's almost like radiation poisoning after a nuclear attack - first come the initial victims and then, those who've been poisoned by the clouds of lethal dust."

As of today, the toxins at Ground Zero have affected:

-- 4,517 people with upper respiratory ailments

-- 3,857 with lower respiratory illness

-- 398 with lung disease

-- 2,616 with asthma

-- 1,340 with sleep apnea

-- 2,528 with a heart condition caused or worsened by 9/11

"I'm a New Yorker and should have known about this [issue] much sooner," says Zunno. Hold Me Up is probably one of the most personal songs I have ever written, and I wanted Steve, John and all of the responders to know that they have my support."

In a joint effort to assist Ground Zero workers, Zunno is donating 100% of the profits of his new song to the FealGood Foundation to support these victimes of the attack.