Donna Summer Dies of 9/11-Related contamination

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Reggie Cervantes

Reggie Cervantes is a 9/11 rescue worker featured in Michael Moore's "SiCKO."

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May 18th, 2012 11:30 PM

Donna Summer Dies of 9/11-Related contamination

The passing of Donna Summer brings back memories to my mind of a teenagehood of fun dancing in the hallway of my beloved Cathedral High School in Manhattan to her disco music. She moved people not because of her rhythmic tunes but because some of the words were relevant to us. We worked hard for the money too.

But for many 9/11 Rescue and Recovery workers, it's an especially tragic day. Another loss from the potential contamination which could have easily been prevented through accurate warning from the EPA.

Unfortunately, only when a celebrity like Donna dies does the entire world stand up and take notice at what the toxic particles of 9/11 dust have done. And indeed, she is the FIRST celebrity to die of exposure contamination. Many who are less well-known have already died – but Ms. Donna Summer has the notoriety, a precious gift and an aura that will put this tragic reality many of us have been living on the front page. Now America has a face to go with the tragedy. She is a woman who was incredibly successful and very loved. She is not Paula Rodriguez but she is a casualty nonetheless of the same circumstances. One the average Joe will identify with. Another mother, sister, wife, Christian and a glamorous loved lady.

Unfortunately for us, the tragedy continues. Her name belongs in the 9/11 Memorial. Will the government require her family to jump through hurdles and hoops like many families have been forced to to document her illness? A story to be followed and a life to be acknowledged and admired. She was the reigning Queen of Disco. May she sit at the table with the men and women who so proudly served the City of New York and our country during the horrific time of the attacks while she sings her Heaven Knows. Heaven knows there was no need for her or any one of us to leave.