Advocates for the first responders who worked at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11 attacks are calling on Congress to continue to fund the Zadroga Act.

The federal fund covers the medical expenses of first responders who suffered from illnesses related to the cleanup. Currently there are about 72,000 responders and civilians that are covered under the act. More than $1 billion in aid has been distributed.

Funding for Zadroga ran out earlier this fall, but it has enough money to keep going for another year. Supporters say the fund must be made permanent.

Gene Dannenfelser is a retired firefighter who was at Ground Zero. He has lung cancer that he says he developed after working at the site. He is among those urging for permanent funds.

"Prior to coming into the program in June, my out-of-pocket expenses were in the thousands of dollars," he says. "I do have health insurance as a retired firefighter, but there's out-of-pocket expenses that were not covered."

Dannenfelser says he made 13 visits to help with the recovery in New York.

The Zadroga Act is named after New Jersey native James Zadroga, the first responder known to die of an illness directly related to Sept. 11.