If we can extinguish fires, we can extinguish cancer.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - July 2009
Greetings! We are proud to share with you our latest public service announcement, brought to you by Desert Radio Group, Palm Springs, California, currently being aired on its local radio stations.
Listen now.
Another exciting development is that Mr. Douglas Harding, President/Chief Pilot of the Hope Flight Foundation, has offered to provide transportation to firefighters afflicted with cancer (in addition to his mission of transporting children) so they can get to their needed medical treatments. The initiation of this exciting endeavor will take place in the near future. On behalf of the Code 3 Firefighters, I salute Mr. Harding for his efforts in fighting the war on cancer by providing help to those in critical need.
Once again, I offer my sincere thanks to the Houston Fire Department, especially Fire Chief Phil Boriskie and Chief Lorenzo Diaz, for allowing me to stay at Station 33 during my cancer treatments. The fellowship, camaraderie and support I received made all the difference during a very challenging time in my life and was crucial to the healing process as I battled a third cancer. I will never forget my brother and sister firefighters at the Houston Fire Department who answered my call for help during a very difficult time. I also want to thank MD Anderson Cancer Center. The doctors and radiation therapists did a phenomenal job of making me feel as comfortable as possible during the stages of preparation and initiation of hormone and proton treatments every day. Photos of my experience with the Houston Fire Department and treatments at MD Anderson Cancer Center will be posted soon. (View newscast, KPRC Channel 2, Houston.)
I personally would like to thank Chief Lorenzo Diaz for his outstanding efforts in initiating The Hamilton Brown House, created by the Society of Houston Latino Fire Fighters. This facility will serve as a place of serenity for all firefighters afflicted with cancer, both active and retired, who are in need of a place to stay during their cancer treatments in Houston's medical center. Read more.
We are proud that, once again, Firefighter John McKnight (North County Fire) is working on the itinerary and route plan for the 2009 Code 3 for a Cure Mission of Honor and Hope, scheduled to kick off on September 13. Any firefighter/cancer survivors interested in joining our team, please contact us at firefighters@code3foracure.org. We will be posting updated information as the date draws nearer on the location and time of this event. Once again, I would like to thank the Los Angeles Fire Department, as well as the California Highway Patrol, for their assistance with this mission. We would like to invite everyone to attend this kickoff event of our second annual journey, which will include Canada this year. Please come out to enjoy some great entertainment. Inspirational gifts will also be provided for those in attendance. Come celebrate with us and meet the CODE 3 firefighter/cancer survivors.
Our deepest gratitude goes to the Sutphen Corporation, who will once again provide the fire apparatus and the fuel needed to complete this journey.
I thank Chief Dennis Bitters, one of our Board members, for his efforts in securing a Memorial Bell to be used on the mission to honor and remember those firefighters who have passed away from cancer. Pierce Manufacturing donated the bell to Chief Bitters for the Code 3 for a Cure Foundation. Thank you, Pierce, for your kind donation.
Here is something I would like you to remember, for those of you who are diagnosed with cancer: YOU are the general in this battle, because your body is now the battlefield. The doctors, oncologists, etc. are your soldiers who will provide you with information on the type of enemy you're fighting, but you are the one who will make the decision on the final battle plan. Don't panic if your doctors says "cancer," just get ready to fight and marshal all your forces. Remember, you have your family, firefighters, friends and doctors who are on your side for support. In the three cancer battles I have experienced, I have learned that early detection is the key to providing you more options on the kind of weapons you will have against cancer. Don't cut yourself short on options. Pay attention to your body for any warning signs, and get those early preventative exams that will provide you a fighting chance in the war against cancer. Another great secret weapon against cancer is positive thinking.
Stay healthy, try and utilize all your safety equipment, DON'T LIMIT YOUR OPTIONS, get those early screenings, and hug a beautiful tree. God bless you all. I wish you good health and peace this summer.
Lorenzo Abundiz
President & Founder
Code 3 for a Cure Foundation
2009 Mission of Honor and Hope
The Code 3 for a Cure Foundation's Mission of Honor and Hope is a journey taken on a fire engine once a year by a crew of cancer surviving firefighters. The purpose of the mission is to honor and remember those firefighters who have lost their lives to cancer, as well as to promote firefighter cancer awareness. Our 2009 mission, scheduled to begin on September 13, is expected to take approximately eight weeks or more and will include Canada in our efforts to unite with the Canadian firefighters in the war against cancer. The mission will be accomplished by firefighter cancer survivors who will share their stories and experiences with other firefighters along the journey. Read more. Any firefighter who is a cancer survivor and is interested in becoming a member of the Code 3 Crew for the 2009 journey can contact us.
To see media coverage of the 2008 mission, google Code 3 for a Cure.
Cancer Risk Greater Among Firefighters
According to the American Cancer Society, half of all men and one-third of all women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. It is becoming more and more apparent just what an epidemic this disease truly is. That is why one of the goals of Code 3 for a Cure is to contribute a percentage of our funds toward organizations that are conducting cancer research, and/or helping those diagnosed. The main focus of our organization, however, is to provide assistance specifically to firefighters who are diagnosed with cancer and their families. Why? Statistics show that firefighters are at a higher risk of cancer than the general population due to their exposure to toxic substances throughout the course of their careers. Read more.
The Code 3 Crew will never forget.