In the run-up to Thanksgiving we should all be especially thankful for the tireless work and bravery of our firefighters. That’s why Firefighter Toxin Tests and our parent company, Relentless Health, make it a priority to support firefighters through donating PFAS tests. Here, we look at three amazing charities that are helping firefighters and their families in many different ways.
IAFF Foundation
The IAFF Foundation is a non-profit organization set up by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). It is dedicated to helping fire fighters in times of hardship. The mission of the IAFF Foundation is perfectly encapsulated in their motto “To Help Those Who Help Others”.
The important work of the IAFF Foundation
The IAFF Foundation was founded in 2011 when the IAFF merged a number of previous charitable funds under one umbrella organization. Some of these funds, such as the IAFF Burn Foundation and John P Redmond Fund, dated back decades. By combining these disparate funds, the IAFF Foundation is able to better focus on the priorities of the fire fighters it supports. Nowadays, the IAFF Foundation delivers many important services to firefighters and their families, such as:
- Occupational cancer support. The IAFF Foundation is actively engaged in supporting occupational cancer research. It also provides cancer prevention and education materials for members. The Foundation also collaborates closely with the Fire Fighter Cancer Support Network.
- Behavioral health and wellness. Firefighters have an incredibly stressful job that can lead to issues such as excessive alcohol intake, depression, and worse. The IAFF Foundation funds the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery.
- Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Scholarships. The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs commemorates firefighters who have died during their active service. The IAFF Foundation also provides for children of fallen firefighters through the W. H. “Howie” McClennan Scholarship Fund.
Firefighter Cancer Support Network
Firefighters are exposed to a huge range of dangers through their work. There are obvious dangers from things such as fire, asphyxiation, and collapsing buildings. But there are many hidden dangers too. Most of these are caused by toxic chemicals released in fires, or present in fire fighting equipment. All too often, these chemicals cause cancer. Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of cancer than the rest of the population. But worryingly, their mortality risk is 14% higher.
Supporting firefighters with cancer
The Firefighter Cancer Support Network was founded in 2005 by Michael Dubron, a Los Angeles County Firefighter Paramedic, after he survived stage IV colon cancer. The FCSN is a non-profit dedicated to helping firefighter cancer sufferers and their families. Their services include badge-to-badge peer support, cancer awareness and education, advocacy, and research. They also spearhead the Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month which takes place in January every year. Their website provides a wealth of resources, information, and advice about firefighter cancer.
Tunnels to Towers
Firefighters suffered an unimaginable toll on 9/11, with 343 deaths and countless injuries, not to mention the deep trauma suffered by all those who responded. Tunnels to Towers was set up to honor the memory of Stephen Gerard Siller, a firefighter in Brooklyn’s Squad 1 who lost his life that day. The Foundation has now raised over $500M to help military and first responders who make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.
How Tunnels to Towers supports first responders
Tunnels to Towers supports several programs devoted to helping first responders and military veterans. These include many initiatives related to housing for injured veterans and first responders, or their families. Key examples include the
- The Smart Homes program, funding the building of houses adapted for the needs of severely injured veterans
- The Gold Star Family Home program, which honors the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. The Foundation provides mortgage-free homes to surviving spouses with young children
- The Fallen First Responder Program pays off the mortgages of first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty or as a result of illness related to the 9/11 attacks.
How you can help
All of these organizations are doing invaluable work to help firefighters and their families. There are many different ways in which you can help support these causes. This includes making donations, leaving money in your will, taking part in fundraiser events, and more.
