We are FIREFIGHTERS.
If we can
extinguish fires,
we can extinguish cancer.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
February 2010
Greetings! We are currently making preparations for the 2010 Mission, tentatively scheduled to kick off during the summer season. Firefighter cancer survivors who are interested in joining the Code 3 team should contact us at firefighters@code3foracure.org with a brief letter expressing interest and why your story can help fellow firefighters. Firefighters can ride with us one week at a time or, if possible, the entire journey, because your testimonial will bring much needed awareness to fellow firefighters regarding early cancer screenings and share information on how to deal with a cancer diagnosis. NOTE: The firefighter cancer survivor must be certified to drive a fire apparatus and be physically capable of withstanding a long journey on a bumpy fire engine.
I am honored to say that the 2009 Mission was a tremendous success and we look forward to the 2010 Mission. Our Foundation was very thankful to Los Angeles Councilmember Tom LaBonge and his staff, Captain Steve Ruda (PIO-LAFD), Chief Villanueva (LAFD), John White (Fire Department Chaplain), Frank W. Borden and the staff of the Memorial Fire Museum (Station 27), and Griffith Observatory Director Dr. Ed Krupp and his staff. Throughout the 2009 Mission, we were very grateful to all the fire chiefs, local IAFF and fire association members, who opened their doors to our Mission of honor and hope. We have come together and have joined forces to make an impact on the war against cancer by sharing our own personal cancer experiences. We accomplished our Mission to honor our brother and sister firefighters who died from cancer, and we assured the loved ones they left behind that their commitment and dedication to the fire service will never be forgotten.
I am happy to say that we collected over 300 used fire department t-shirts autographed personally by both American and Canadian firefighters. These t-shirts will go on auction in a future fundraiser. We are also in the process of establishing other means to collect funds for the organization in order for us to accomplish our goal of financially assisting firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer and are facing a financial hardship.
In terms of my current cancer battle, I am doing well and slowly recovering from the treatments of both hormone and proton therapy. Once again, I would like to thank
Chief Phil Boriskie, Chief Lorenzo Diaz, and all the Houston firefighters for the support, hospitality, and camaraderie they provided me while I stayed at Fire Station 33 during my cancer battle in 2009. Click here for newscast. During my stay at Fire Station 33, on Easter Sunday morning, two firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty. Chief Adrian Trevino gave me a memorial CD, which we are honored to post on this website for your viewing in memory of these two firefighters. View the special video tribute to Captain James Harlow and Firefighter Damion Hobbs, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. They will never be forgotten.
Houston Fire Department Chief Lorenzo Diaz is working hard to accomplish the Hamilton Brown House, created by the Society of Houston Latino Firefighters. This facility will serve as a place of serenity for all firefighters diagnosed 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 grateful to our corporate sponsors: the Sutphen Corporation, who each year provides us with a new fire engine and the fuel needed for the Mission; and the University of Phoenix, who generously helped fund our 2009 Mission. We are currently seeking other corporate sponsors.
Another foundation in the war against cancer is the Hope Flight Foundation, which has offered free air transportation to medical treatments for firefighters diagnosed with cancer, in addition to its mission of doing so for children. I am grateful to Douglas Harding, President/Chief Pilot of the Hope Flight Foundation, for his kind contributions in the war against cancer.
Please visit our Links page and help support this and other nonprofit organizations listed there.
From one who has been diagnosed with three different types of cancer, I say to you this: If your doctor says cancer, you become the general in the 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 battle plan. Don't panic just get ready to fight and marshal all your forces. Remember, you have your family, firefighters, friends and the medical establishment who are on your side for support. Early detection is the big key to providing you more options on the types of weapons you will have against cancer. Don't cut yourself short on options by ignoring any warning signs. Pay attention to your body and get those early preventative exams that will provide you a fighting chance in the war against cancer. Another great secret weapon is positive thinking. Remember, a little discomfort during a cancer screening will bring you a long and healthy life.
DON'T LIMIT YOUR OPTIONS!
Blessings to you all,
Lorenzo Abundiz
President & Founder
Code 3 for a Cure Foundation
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, both active and retired. 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. Any firefighter who is a cancer survivor and is interested in becoming a member of the Code 3 Crew for the 2010 journey can contact us.
To see media coverage of the 2009 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.