WORLD TRADE CENTER MIRACLES FOUNDATION EXTENDS ITS FUNDRAISING EFFORTS TO INCLUDE FIREFIGHTERS INJURED AT GROUND ZERO Contact: Mark Hopkinson 561/750-9800 ext.15 mhopkinson@transmediagroup.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW YORK, NY, FEBRUARY 11, 2002.-The World Trade Center Miracles Foundation announced today that it is extending its "Adopt A Family" program to include firefighters who were injured while conducting rescue and recovery operations at ground zero following the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. "These are deserving heroes who have either not been represented at all or under-represented in any of the financial provisions which were set up in the aftermath of the attack," said Mitchell Morrison, Chairman of WTC Miracles Foundation. One of these heroes is Vincent Forras a volunteer firefighter in the South Salem Fire Department, Special Ops Unit who joined rescue efforts at ground zero on September 11. "I've experienced both physical and mental health problems including asthma, lung involvement and ringing in the ears," Forras said. He has been unable to return to his job as an executive in an international aerospace company following his 3 weeks of service at ground zero. Within its Adopt A Family program, WTC Miracles is launching the Ground Zero Medical Fund which will give financial assistance for firefighters, policemen and volunteer rescue workers who were debilitated by respiratory and physical ailments during their work at Ground Zero. As part of this effort, families of firefighters who lost their lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11 or were injured at Ground Zero will gather with New York City firefighters on February 15th from 2-5 p.m. at the New York City Fire Museum, 278 Spring street in downtown Manhattan for a private dedication of art honoring their remembrance. Titled, "We Will Not Fail - A Tribute to the American Spirit," the powerful painting is the work of artist Don Scafidi, a former merchant marine captain and U.S. maritime delegate to NATO. It can be previewed at www.americawillnotfail.com. Part of the proceeds from the sale of prints of the painting will go to the World Trade Center Miracle Foundation. The Foundation's fund raising programs provide long term financial support for the families of those lost or injured in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.