first frank fraone coughed for eight months and from then on takes a barrage of respiratory medications from breathing the toxic dust of ground-zero. >> i didn't wear a mask until several days into it. >> reporter: fraone is among 16,000 emergency responders sick enough to need treatment. another 40,000 responders could worsen and neat future care. on vacation in hawai'i, president obama noted physical scars persist amok those who showed selfless courage as he signed the bill for health needs and victim compensation. >> your health is a gift and when you loz it, you know, then what do you have from there? >> reporter: menlo park's chief wonders why it took years and 23 hearings to secure the funds. >> it's a lot of money. are there other people who have needs? sure there, but these are people who gave of themselves and gave of their time. >> reporter: and gave of their health. >> the hacking that went on for months and months and nose bleeds that came on for no reason, skin rashes. >> reporter: in congress, frank fraone's name came up as an example of how responders need help with what