A Hackensack Paramedic’s Heroic Journey
For the thousands of first responders who rushed toward danger, 25 years ago this September 11, the battle didn’t end when the dust settled at Ground Zero. In the two and a half decades since the towers fell, it is estimated that more than 9,000 individuals have died from 9/11-related illnesses — roughly three times the number of lives lost on the day of the attacks itself.
Tito Rodriguez knows this reality all too well. Today, the 58-year-old Bergen County resident is a dedicated paramedic with Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH). But in 2001, he was working for a Midtown Manhattan hospital, racing toward the epicenter of the attacks.
Into the Dust When the call came in that a plane had struck the North Tower, Tito and his partner were among the very first to respond, arriving as the second paramedic unit on the scene. Standing amidst the chaos, they knew instantly that this was no small Cessna aircraft. As everything around them was set into frantic motion, Tito provided updates to dispatch — and then, the second plane hit the South Tower.
Tito was so close to the impact that he narrowly avoided being struck by a tire falling from the aircraft. Stationed at West and Vesey streets, he and his fellow healthcare colleagues watched the buildings burn. When the first tower collapsed, Tito dove for cover under a stairwell inside 1 World Financial Center. He emerged, regrouped with his team, and then survived the second collapse. Eventually, they were directed to stage at 7 World Trade Center, which also collapsed shortly after, forcing them to relocate to Chelsea Piers. Covered in thick dust and debris, Tito worked for 30 straight hours, caring for the wounded and the traumatized.
The Looming Shadow of Ground Zero Like many heroes of that day, Tito eventually tried to move on with his life, both emotionally and physically, relocating to New Jersey and continuing his life’s work of helping others. Yet, over the years, he watched helplessly as friends and colleagues grew sick as a direct result of their time at Ground Zero. He always knew there was a possibility he could be next.
Occasionally, Tito would develop sepsis and abscesses in his urinary tract. The episodes were concerning, but he pushed forward. However, he remained deeply vigilant about his health — a diligence that would ultimately save his life.
A Shocking Discovery and Prompt Action In 2020, at the age of 53, Tito was celebrating a joyful milestone: his honeymoon in the Virgin Islands. But while there, he discovered an unusual mass seemingly out of nowhere.
Understanding the importance of early detection, Tito didn’t wait. He immediately called his urologist, Dr. Kevin Basralian at Hackensack University Medical Center. Dr. Basralian reassured his patient, telling him to enjoy the rest of his honeymoon, but insisting Tito come to the office the moment he returned home.
Tito did exactly that. Tests confirmed a staggering diagnosis: Squamous Cell Carcinoma, stage 2, a form of penile cancer. Officially recognized as a 9/11-related illness through the World Trade Center Health Program, Tito was told that the specific presentation of the disease had to be in either a chimney sweeper or someone at the Twin Towers on 9/11 exposed to the carcinogens that cause it.
Dr. Basralian swiftly connected Tito with Dr. Donald McCain, Vice Chairman of the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center. Dr. McCain, who has extensive experience identifying and treating 9/11-related cancers, confirmed the tumor’s tragic origin.
World-Class Care Close to Home Thanks to Tito’s immediate action and the seamless, multidisciplinary care provided by the urology and oncology teams at Hackensack University Medical Center, the cancer was successfully excised. After undergoing meticulous follow-up treatment, Tito beat the odds once again.
Today, Tito is cancer-free. He diligently maintains annual follow-ups with his HMH physicians and the World Trade Center Health Program, which continues to monitor his labs and overall health.
A New Perspective on a Somber Anniversary For years, Tito honored the memory of 9/11 as a member of the HMH Honor Guard, paying tribute to the colleagues and civilians who lost their lives. This year, as he observes the 25th anniversary, he looks back through a different lens: that of a survivor who was given a second chance at life.
Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to treat and support the brave victims and first responders of 9/11. Tito’s story is not just a testament to his own resilience as a dedicated paramedic and a cancer survivor, but also a powerful reminder of the life-saving care available at Hackensack University Medical Center.
Above all, Tito’s journey carries a vital message for everyone: Be an active participant in your health. Because Tito stayed on top of his wellness and acted immediately when he noticed something new and unusual, his medical team was able to intervene before it was too late.
Hackensack University Medical Center will commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a ceremony outside the hospital’s 9/11 Memorial, forged from the steel of the World Trade Center, at 30 Prospect Ave at 9am.
If you notice a change in your body or an unusual symptom, don’t wait. Proactive care saves lives. To learn more about the world-class urologic and cancer care offered at Hackensack University Medical Center, or to schedule a screening, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org
