Firefighter Cancer Awareness Ride

There are few people who have not been touched by the effects of cancer in some way. Coping, understanding, and simply dealing with the day to day efforts of battling cancer are often overwhelming, not only for the patient but also for their loved ones. And while many people think the word firefighter is synonymous with courage and bravery, when it comes to cancer firefighters can be just as lost and devastated as everyone else.

Researchers found firefighters have a 100-percent higher risk of developing testicular cancer, a 50-percent higher risk for multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and for prostate cancer, it's a 28-percent increased risk, compared with non-firefighters. This is in addition to increased risks for bladder cancer, brain cancer, and lung cancer.

On August 16, 2015, I will be participating with a group of firefighters and Fire Velo (a nonprofit fire department based national cycling organization) in the annual San Francisco to Los Angeles “Cancer Awareness” bicycle ride, a distance of 540 miles. This event will provide cancer awareness to both fire service personnel and to the public they serve.

I am seeking donations to help cover the cost of this event. All proceeds of your donation, no matter its size, will go directly to placing “Cancer Awareness” in the spotlight. Please make all donations online at www.gofundme.com/sf2la2015, or contact me for other options.