Volunteer firefighters living with 9/11-related illnesses are calling on their colleagues to file a claim with the 9/11 Victim's Compensation Fund before the enrollment period ends.

It's been nearly two decades since terrorists killed thousands of people and forever changed the New York City skyline.

Court Cousins, with the Syosset Fire Department, says it's hard to describe what they saw when his team arrived.

"Unfortunately, all of us were exposed for the time that we were there to toxic dust," says Cousins.

Since that day so many first responders have gotten sick with Sept. 11th-related illnesses, and many have died.

First responders in Syosset were reminding people Thursday that anyone who was down at ground zero and is suffering should register for the compensation fund.

The fund provides victims and their families with financial benefits if they can't work, as well as funding for pain and suffering.

"Non-economic loss is what you get for pain and suffering, which maxes out at $250,000, but if you have a second cancer you can get up to $340,000," says John Feal, of the Fealgood Foundation. "If you were to pass away from your 9/11-related illness, the estate gets $250,000, the spouse gets $100,000 and any kids under the age of 23 get $100,000."

The deadline to file is July 29.