Fox News veteran correspondent Eric Shawn, in a poignant on-air moment, revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer stemming from toxic exposure at Ground Zero following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The disclosure occurred during Thursday's segment of "Fox and Friends," a program that often touches upon the stories of heroism and tragedy associated with that fateful day.
As the anchors delved into the health challenges faced by first responders and others present in Lower Manhattan during the Twin Towers' collapse, Shawn shared his personal battle with an illness that has silently afflicted tens of thousands of Americans. The 9/11 attacks, orchestrated by al-Qaeda, not only claimed 2,977 lives but also left a lingering cloud of dust and debris filled with carcinogens over the area, affecting firefighters, police officers, cleanup crews, journalists like Shawn, and civilians.
Shawn, who was reporting on the ground in the days after the attacks, recounted initial struggles with chronic bronchitis. However, it was only this year, nearly 24 years later, that he learned of his cancer diagnosis. "Yeah, bronchitis, yeah, also cancer, from the explosion, that was diagnosed this year," Shawn said, as reported by The Daily Caller. His story echoes the experiences of many who have seen their health deteriorate over time due to the exposure.
The panel, including co-hosts Brian Kilmeade, Ainsley Earhardt, and Lawrence Jones, responded with a mixture of shock and sympathy. Kilmeade's own recounting of a firefighter friend's permanent lung damage led to Shawn's unexpected revelation, leaving the group momentarily silent. The moment underscored the pervasive impact of 9/11, reaching far beyond those who perished on the day to those who continue to suffer.
Health experts have cautioned that the full scope of 9/11-related illnesses would unfold over decades, with many cancers and respiratory diseases only now coming to light. In response, programs such as the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund were established, yet they remain a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles for survivors.
As Shawn faces his personal health battle, he emphasized a message of unity and remembrance, framing his diagnosis within the broader narrative of national resilience and sacrifice. His announcement not only serves as a personal disclosure but also as a reminder of the enduring consequences of the attacks nearly a quarter century later.
