From Ground Zero to the Chiropractic Community

Since September 11, 2001, this world is a different place. Picturesque scenes of city life and skylines that once filled us with joy and pride have left us, replaced with a sense of emptiness and heartache. For many, family values have risen to the top of the priority list. People are more caring and giving to strangers, and there is once again a sense of unity in our country. With all of the horror and misery caused by terrorists, it is difficult to believe that any good could come from the attack.

Immediately following the collapse of the World Trade Towers, firefighters; police officers; military personnel; rescue workers; medical doctors; nurses; electricians; engineers; and hundreds of civilian volunteers with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other philanthropic organizations filled downtown Manhattan. Also on the scene within minutes were chiropractors. Some were already in the city, while others showed whatever credentials they had to convince the police they would be useful on the other side of the river. It was pure chaos. With all the horrific events going on, one might think, "What could a chiropractor possibly do to help?" These true servants knew that while they may not have had much to offer to the victims in the buildings, they could certainly assist the emergency workers and volunteers to do their jobs more efficiently.

We all know that stress causes subluxations, which, in turn, result in greater stress. So, chiropractors carried their portable tables to the site in the middle of the rubble and began to serve; they adjusted anyone who wanted adjusting. Firefighters and relief workers came out of the pile with looks of exhaustion and despair, got their spines adjusted, and smiled, heaving sighs of relief. They would be revitalized and ready to re-enter the wreckage.

In the days following the collapse, many of the rescue workers and health care volunteers were no longer needed. However, workers that stayed would not let the chiropractors leave. For the first time in history, the American Red Cross worked with a chiropractic organization as part of disaster relief. The New York Chiropractic Council, chaired by Dr. Ellen Coyne, continued to coordinate and schedule chiropractors from all over the country to serve at Ground Zero, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, until May 30, when all services were completed and the site was officially closed.

Of the tens of thousands of adjustments given since September, many were to people who had never experienced chiropractic care. Today, many of these people and their families continue to be adjusted. B.J. Palmer, chiropractic pioneer, said, "We never know how far-reaching something we may think, do or say today will affect the lives of countless millions tomorrow." The world has changed.

The New York Chiropractic Council will be hosting a reunion and tribute to the chiropractic volunteers from around the U.S. at our 13th annual convention in New York City, November 15-17. Our venue, the New York Marriott Financial Center Hotel, is significant because it was a respite center for the Red Cross, at the foot of Ground Zero. The convention will pay tribute to all those chiropractors that unselfishly provided treatment to thousands of people during this time of great need. The American Red Cross will also be there to acknowledge DCs for their contribution of more than $1.5 million of donated services. Every chiropractor that served at the disaster site will receive a certificate of appreciation. Also, members of New York's police and fire departments, and other relief workers will be there to testify how chiropractic helped them during that tragic period. We have also invited several dignitaries to attend our tribute and banquet dinner.

We hope you will all attend this momentous occasion and see firsthand what chiropractic can do. It would also be a great opportunity to visit the proud, resilient city of New York.

The New York Chiropractic Council
Glendale, New York