activities · 5
what they do
direct service · 1
- Direct Assistance and Peer Support for Firefighters with Cancer Cancer Peer Support & Emotional Wellness ProgramsProvides immediate and ongoing assistance, including badge-to-badge peer support, to firefighters, EMS providers, and their immediate families coping with a cancer diagnosis. This includes delivering free cancer-support toolboxes and connecting individuals with a network of over 130 volunteer peer-support mentors.
advocacy · 1
- Firefighter Cancer Awareness MonthOrganizes and launched the Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month in January 2021 in partnership with the IAFF, providing firefighters with tools and guidance for cancer prevention protocols and support for those with a cancer diagnosis.
research · 1
- Firefighter Cancer Research and Information DisseminationConducts research on cancer risks among firefighters, gathers and reports on the prevalence of cancer in the fire service, and provides information specific to cancer in firefighters, including types, demographic information, and statistical data. This includes a partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University's Massey Cancer Center to develop an app and conduct surveys, and releasing resources like "Doing It Right: Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service."
capacity building · 2
- Cancer Prevention and Awareness TrainingDevelops and delivers extensive cancer awareness and prevention training programs for firefighters and EMS professionals. This includes a "Take Action Against Cancer" program, which has trained 625 trainers who then trained an estimated 18,000 instructors, reaching 150,000 firefighters. The organization also presents at conferences and publishes articles on reducing cancer risk.
- Volunteer and Mentor Recruitment and TrainingRecruits and trains volunteers and mentors to support firefighters and their families. This includes inspiring 1,000 volunteers and training 350 mentors to assist members and their families.
strategies · 3
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Badge-to-Badge Peer Support Model badge-to-badge supportThe organization uses a peer-support model grounded in shared professional identity—where firefighter cancer survivors, caregivers, and experienced responders provide emotional support, guidance, and mentorship to affected firefighters and EMS personnel. This model leverages lived experience and occupational solidarity to increase trust and engagement in support services.
- Direct Comprehensive Support Services for Firefighters and Families direct support servicesThe organization provides targeted, holistic support services to first responders and their families following a cancer diagnosis, addressing emotional, logistical, and educational needs. The model emphasizes direct assistance rooted in the unique occupational risks faced by firefighters and EMS personnel.
- Evidence-Based Program Development via Expert Advisory Councils evidence-based program developmentThe organization leverages two national advisory councils—Health and Wellness (HWAC) and Business—to inform strategy, develop programs, validate research, and ensure educational materials are grounded in empirical evidence. These councils provide subject matter expertise, professional networks, and philanthropic support to strengthen program impact and organizational credibility.
named programs · 3
what they call their work
Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study (FFCCS)
A prospective multicenter cohort study of cancer in the fire service, funded by grants from FEMA, NIEHS, and NIOSH, aiming to expand and study the relationship between PFAS exposure and cancer, and cancer, stress, and reproductive hazards in women firefighters.
Health and Wellness Advisory Council (HWAC)
A council of national researchers and practitioners who advise the FCSN Board of Directors and staff, providing expertise on emerging issues, informing project development, ensuring accuracy of empirical evidence, and directing research engagement on health and wellness for firefighters.
National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer
A registry open to all firefighters in the USA, aiming to be the largest assembly of firefighters to monitor their occupational cancer risk.
relationships · 47
who they work with
- ABRI DENTAL Partner — Dr. David Abri, owner of Abri Dental, is a member of the Business Advisory Council.
- American Cancer Society Partner — Works with the organization; informed the Firefighter's Guide to Cancer Survivorship.
- American Society of Clinical Oncology Partner — Dr. Peter Paul Yu was President and is Associate Editor for two of its journals.
- Arizona Diamondbacks Partner — Organization where a board member serves as Senior Vice President of Content and Communications
- Barasch & McGarry Partner — Law firm whose managing partner serves on the board and represents first responders with toxic exposure-related illnesses
- Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Partner — Bryan Frieders has been designated as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) by the organization.
- City of Arlington Government — Municipality where a board member serves as Mayor and has a background in public safety and law
- County of Los Angeles Government — Government entity where a board member serves as Supervisor and advocates for firefighter resources and mental health support
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Partner — Dr. Elizabeth K. O'Donnell completed her fellowship and is the Director of Early Detection and Prevention at this institute.
- DetecTogether Partner — Russell Osgood is a member of the Fire Service Advisory board.
- Dignity Health Foundation – Inland Empire Partner — Organization where a board member serves as Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer
- EMERGENT BIO SOLUTIONS Partner — Jerome Hauer, Director at Emergent Bio Solutions, is a member of the Business Advisory Council.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Funder — Funds grants for cancer prevention research in the fire service.
- Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance Coalition — Founding member.
- Firefighter Close Calls (FFCC) Partner — Key supporter and partner.
- Glendale Memorial Health Foundation Partner — Organization where a board member serves as Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer
- Habitat for Humanity Partner — Lisa Raggio previously worked in Government Relations for the organization.
- Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute Partner — Dr. Peter Paul Yu is Physician-In-Chief and Senior Vice President, directing strategic planning and operational oversight for cancer-related activities.
- Harvard Medical School Partner — Dr. Elizabeth K. O'Donnell is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at this institution.
- International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Partner — Key supporter and partner.
- International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Partner — Key supporter and partner.
- International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Partner — Curtis Dunn was a member for 43 years and helped launch the FCSN/IAFF Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.
- Live Strong Foundation Partner — Works with the organization.
- MARSTUDIO, INC. Partner — Sherwin (Shevy) M. Shafie, CEO/Chief Marketing Officer & Partner at Marstudio, Inc., is a member of the Business Advisory Council.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Partner — Dr. Peter Paul Yu holds an academic appointment as Clinical Member and leads Hartford HealthCare's strategic partnership with this center.
- NEP Services Partner — Mark Treglio, President of NEP Services, is a member of the Business Advisory Council.
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc. Partner — Dr. Sara Jahnke is the director of the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research at this institute.
- National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Partner — Dr. Sara Jahnke serves as a consultant to this organization.
- National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Partner — Key supporter and partner.
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Funder — Funds grants for cancer prevention research in the fire service and an industrial hygiene training program.
+ 17 more