Join the Fight

Our 2024 event is SOLD OUT!

On October 19, we are excited to celebrate our cancer fighters, honor those we have lost, and raise funds to ensure our fighters can focus on beating cancer—rather than worrying about how to pay for it.

This year's event will feature a private screening of "Dying to Save You" documenting the lives of 3 firefighters fighting cancer.

2024 Planning Committee

  • Cody Brooks

    Bryan Willingham

    Scott Crowley

    Paula Miller

    Maggie Cortez

  • Crystal McCracken

    Ben Lindquist

    Heather Shaughnessy

    Monica Miller

    Lena Spotleson

Dear Friend of the Firefighters: 

Thank you for your interest in supporting Firefighters Unite against Cancer (FU Cancer) event and joining the fight against the cancer epidemic that continues to ravage our profession. 

As you may be aware, cancer attacks fire fighters at a rate significantly higher than the general population. Every day the list of firefighters battling cancer and who die at the hands of this disease grows even longer. 

Why is this happening? Years ago, American homes and businesses were filled with things made from traditional materials like wood. Today, our homes, businesses, furnishings, and equipment are constructed from synthetics and inorganic materials that contain any number of carcinogens. Now, when fire fighters enter a burning structure, we face toxic fumes and airborne poisons. Couple this exposure with the other hazards of our profession – lack of sleep, 56-hour work weeks, post-traumatic stress disorder plus a variety of other illnesses and a career as a fire fighter creates a perfect storm of cancer exposure. 

The 493 Firefighter Foundation, previously known as “United Phoenix Firefighters Charities,” helps firefighters in a comprehensive way when cancer strikes. We provide financial assistance through our Cancer Fund to help with co-pays, out-of-network healthcare, and incredibly expensive medications. Given that no one is ever prepared for cancer, we educate our firefighters through our Member Benefits program on their options for prevention and treatment. Our Member Services program exists to fill the gaps experienced by firefighters diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones, who inevitably must adjust to significant life changes in the wake of cancer. 

As move ahead on this effort to fight cancer, we need help from our friends and supporters. Our needs include everything from financial sponsorships to in-kind donations to be used as raffle and silent auction items. All donations can be made to “493 Firefighter Foundation,” a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We recommend you consult your accountant for tax information regarding the deductible status of your donation. 

If you have specific questions, please reach out directly to our event chair; Cody Brooks CBrooks@Local493.org Thank you for your support. I very much look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s Firefighter FU Cancer event! 

Sincerely, 

Bryan Willingham - President