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Courtney Clark, a 9/11 survivor, never initially considered herself as one, despite being near the Twin Towers on that fateful day.
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She later discovered that she had been diagnosed with melanoma four times, directly linked to 9/11 as part of the World Trade Center Health Program.
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Courtney, now 44 and residing in Austin, Texas, reflects on the impact of the tragedy on her health and life.
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She is a consultant, speaker, and author, focusing on adaptability and resilience, and is an adoptive mother due to her health conditions preventing her from having biological children.
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Courtney recalls the events of 9/11, describing the surreal atmosphere and the sudden disappearance of the second tower.
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Four years after 9/11, she discovered a mole that was diagnosed as invasive malignant melanoma, leading to multiple recurrences.
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Her husband informed her about the World Trade Center Health Program, which prompted her to apply and provide detailed medical information.
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The program certified her and confirmed that her health issues were linked to 9/11, including melanoma and asthma.
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Courtney now undergoes annual check-ups with the program's doctors and additional scans and dermatologist visits.
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She finds closure in sharing her story and helping others understand the long-term effects of the tragedy.
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