PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
May 2012
There are many exciting things happening for the Foundation, thanks to the efforts of firefighters and other supporters across the nation. Two in particular, inspired by the efforts of Madison, WI Firefighter Robert Verhelst, have chosen to compete in athletic events for Code 3 for a Cure. Firefighter Ethan Dade (who is also a Madison, WI Firefighter) ran the St. Louis half marathon on April 15 in firefighter gear representing the Foundation (see photos and article on our Updates page), and will also be running in firefighter gear in the Chicago Rock n Roll half marathon on July 22. Firefighter Rick van Tuyl of Torrance F.D. in CA will be competing in the Ironman Triathlon in St. George, UT on May 5, along with FF Verhelst. We are proud, as well as grateful to each of them for everything they are doing for the cause. Read article posted by Ironman.
On April 15, Firefighter Robert Verhelst completed his fourth triathlon already this year (the HITS Triathlon in Napa, CA)--again in firefighter gear, including air tank and helmet--to bring attention to and raise funds for the Foundation, as well as to continue the memory of those lost on 9/11. There to support him was FF Kyle Hamilton of Team Firefighter, as well as California State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover. See event video, photos, and article. We hope to see many come out to cheer on FF Verhest, and FF Rick van Tuyl, at the next event, Ironman St. George, Utah, on May 5. Then it will be on to Ironman Woodlands, TX, for FF Verhelst on May 19 (read Ironman article about Robert's efforts). Our Mission will follow Firefighter Verhelst throughout the year as he strives to accomplish his incredible goal. See FF Verhelst's 2012 triathlon schedule.
We ask you to cast your vote so that FF Verhelst can compete in the 2012 Ironman World Championship in October in Kona, HI, order to bring even more attention to our cause. This is a two-phase voting process with this, the first phase, taking place until the end of May, and the second round of voting taking place thereafter. The second round will be even more important than the first. We will keep you posted as to when to cast your vote for the second phase. Thank you for your support of this 2012 Quest for Hope and Honor. Many thanks to Jeremy Nichols for creating the inspirational video that was entered into the Ironman "Kona Inspired" contest.
Team Firefighter representatives will be in attendance at the 30th Annual Wildflower Triathlon in California May 4-6 in an effort to bring awareness to our cause. Anyone in the area is welcome to stop by and show their support.
We would like to thank FDNN TV for the recent newscast regarding the Foundation. For those who are not familiar with our organization, we encourage you to watch this informative video.
We are grateful for the generous support of the individuals who have made contributions to Code 3 for a Cure, as well as all of our sponsors, in particular PowerTest, Inc. for their kind and generous support which allowed us to kick off our 2012 Mission. Special thanks also to Scott Safety for providing a high quality Air-Pak for FF Verhelst, as well as for generously contributing to the cause.
We thank Emergency Reporting for the efforts they are making to raise funds for the Foundation, as well as the video they created that so effectively delivers the message. See it here. Thanks also to Lindsay Budzier for the great article posted by Firehouse.
Save the date! On May 15, 16, and 17, 2013 (next year), the Roche Harbor Firefighters Challenge will take place, with proceeds benefiting Code 3 for a Cure. Located in the state of Washington, this multi-sport challenge will include a run, bike, and kayak. Says event coordinator Peggy Burton (whose husband, Captain Bob Burton, worked with the Yakima Fire Department for 30 years, is a cancer survivor, and has been a Code 3 crew member on several missions), "We would like to build a fantastic event that will support Code 3’s noble mission of Honor and Hope!"
Thank you, Peggy, for those positive words and for all the work you are doing for the Foundation. We will post updates as plans progress, including registration information.
Our prayers for strength and healing go out to all who are battling cancer. We look forward to the day when this deadly enemy will be abolished forever.
From all of us here at Code 3 for a Cure, we wish you good health and peace.
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 2012 journey can contact us.
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.