Code 3 For A Cure 2009

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Lorenzo Abundiz, a retired Santa Ana Fire Department firefighter, has battled cancer three times and won. He now travels across the country to inform other firefighters of the risks they face when fighting fires through a non-profit organization he has developed called "Code 3 for a Cure."

"It's not the flames or the smoke inhalation that's going to kill firefighters. It's the products of combustion and their effects on our life and our life's safety," says Captain Steve Ruda of the Los Angeles Fire Department. "Sometimes as firefighters, we ignore signs and symptoms. Maybe it's because of our bravado. Maybe it's because we don't want to show any type of weakness." Lorenzo Abundiz says that a life can be saved with one screening.

In 2008, Abundiz and a group of volunteers traveled across the United States raising awareness about firefighter cancer and funds for cancer support organizations.  In 2009, Abundiz expanded his journey, including parts of Canada in the tour.  Their new route has increased by 6,000 miles over the 10,000 miles they traveled last year. The route was determined by requests from cities who wanted to host them.

In addition to raising awareness about the need for cancer screening in the firefighting community, Code 3 for a Cure also honors firefighters who have died from cancer.   The group is collecting names of firefighters who have died from the illness at each stop of their trip.  At the end of their route, they will have a memorial service and ring a bell after each firefighter's name is read.

This year also marks an important milestone for Code 3 for a Cure. They are now a non-profit 501 (c) 3 public charity. The money from the fund will be allocated with 80 percent going directly to firefighters, 10 percent to operational costs, and 10 percent going towards other non-profits. "We want to fill up a fund large enough that we can have a representative from Code 3 - if it's not ourselves - go to a firefighter's house and present him with a check, no questions asked, flowers to the wife, and then say, 'You know, this is to help you out. Get cured from cancer. Don't worry about medical bills for now,'" says Abundiz.

If you see Code 3, wear a red t-shirt to support them, or wave three fingers to signify "Find a cure".  For more information about Code 3 for a Cure or to make a donation, visit www.code3foracure.com.




Author:Barbara Brooks - FDNNTV.com