Injured 9/11 Responder Attends "Sicko" Screening

John Graham is a New Jersey emergency medical technician who was one of the first responders to the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

He was already at the site when the second plane hit the south tower, and assisted with the care of hundreds of people fleeing from the burning buildings.

When the south tower came crumbling down, Graham was severely injured, but managed to survive; he was the only member of his group who did not perish in the tragedy.

"I had health insurance for 20 years when I was well, and then one Tuesday afternoon I got hurt in lower Manhattan," he said. "A year aferwards, the doctors were still testing me and finding out what had happened to me, and I ended up not having health coverage from my participation in the 9/11 recovery."

His struggles to put his life back together without adequate health insurance led to him being featured in the final half hour of Michael Moore's 2007 documentary, "Sicko." 

On Friday, Graham drove from Paramus, N.J., to northern Connecticut to attend the showing of the documentary at the Enfield Public Library.

The screening of the controversial film made national news in late January when Enfield resident Kevin Fealy complained to the Town Council that the movie should not be shown. Mayor Scott Kaupin directed Town Manager Matt Coppler to meet with Library Director Henry Dutcher to discuss the Hot Topics film series and revamp the program to offer better balance.

"I'm here to put a face with the movie, and tell people that it's not just actors," Graham said. "It's actually real people who seriously had hard times because they did not have medical coverage."

Graham said he read about the firestorm of controversy in Enfield regarding the movie and decided to come to town because of it. "We don't want this movie banned in any way, shape or form, and it's hard to think that someone would try to in 2011," he said.

About 50 people turned out to view the film in the library's community room. Several said they would not have normally attended, but decided to do so to show support for Dutcher and the library staff.

"I've liked other stuff I've seen Michael Moore do, and I was just curious because I worked in healthcare," Enfield resident Sue Perkins said. "My son who lives in Maryland e-mailed me and said, 'Would you believe the Enfield Public Library is in the news in Maryland?' That was what prompted me to come here."

Mike and Georgianna Tippo spent a considerable amount of time talking with Graham following the screening. "It was an honor to meet him, and we came to support the library," Georgianna Tippo said.

Many others in attendance echoed similar thoughts, Dutcher said. "They have told us they are here just to support us," he said. "Their interest in "Sicko" is pretty well nil."