The Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation is pleased to announce participation in a new fitness initiative and partnership with the National Fire Velo Cycling Club (Los Angeles County, CA).  Founder / President Jim Berklite and his team are cruising ahead with plans to work nationally in providing quality cycling events that promote cancer awareness and attention to good health, while raising funds for firefighter charities.

Fire Velo is a “Fire Department” based, cycling club. They are, "Firefighters riding for Firefighters."  Their goal is to be a highly visible national cycling organization, participating in rides and charity events throughout the United States. All funds raised through Fire Velo will help provide financial assistance to fire department based groups and causes. They are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Fire Velo is open to all levels of riders from beginners to veterans; weekend riders to racers; roadies to mountain bikers.

If you are interested in learning more or becoming involved with Fire Velo, pleast visit their website www.firevelo.com

The FFCF celebrated an FDIC experience of many successes. The week kicked off with the Spring Annual Executive Board Meeting and the installation of new officers. Michigan Director Jim Plieth moved up to assume the role of President assisted by 1st VP Jorge Rivera (Delaware). Founder Cindy Ell will continue to supervise daily operations in the newly created role of Executive Director. Brad Sibley (Ohio) will command the Columbus office as our Midwest Director and Peter Berger (Florida), the Orlando office and the Southeast.

At the opening of the FDIC exhibit hall, America Never Forget Coordinator Cindy Shaeffer and 9/11 Ambassador Joe Torrillo presented the FFCF with a donation check for three more Airhawk 265 air filtration units for sick responders under our "Save Our Survivors" program. MagneGrip VP Mike Johnson and company staff were proud to take part in the event.

Wednesday night featured representation and fun-raising with the Central Ohio F.O.O.L.S. and other chapters at the Annual F.O.O.L.S. Bash. Our thanks to Jason Kay and the Central Ohio group for raffling a "kilt for cancer".

The remainder of the week was highlighted by spirited meetings with fire industry leaders and we thank those that shared their knowledge and expertise with us.

New Office Locations For FFCF

The Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation is excited to announce the opening of 2 new satellite office locations; Orlando and Columbus. New administrative staff has been added and more advocacy available in Florida and Ohio.

Please check back, as more growth is scheduled
for a banner 2012 !!!

Nations Association Charities Gala
a Tremendous Success

FFCF Board members, Cindy Ell (President), Peter Berger (Southeast Regional Director), Walt Lewis (F.O.O.L.S. / Education Coordinator), and Michelle Lewis (Orlando Exec. Admin.) attended the Nations Association Charities Gala in Fort Myers, Florida on 4/9/12. The FFCF was proud to present the innaugural Nations 9/11 Legacy Scholarships to students Jaime Zapata and Roberto Fernandez. Both young men will be receiving book scholarships for college as a well as a unique 9/11 trip to New York City hosted by FFCF 9/11 Ambassador FF Joe Torrillo (FDNY, retired). The scholarship will be a perpetual program funded by the FFCF to keep the awareness of 9/11 alive in today's youth and encourage them to choose a life path of service to others.

Jaime plans to join the Army and train for "Special Forces".

Roberto not only wants to become a firefighter, but has been added to the FFCF Board as a Nations Advisor / Mentor.

We are also pleased to announce the addition of FF Arnaldo Perez (Ft. Myers) to to the FFCF Board as Lead Advisor for Nations Charities.

Happy New Year from the Executive Board at the FFCF. Why not start the year with an updated Health Action Plan. When was your last physical? Was it occupation specific? How about screenings for vision, hearing, dental, skin, and gender issues? Are you taking care to follow a sensible eating and exercise regimen?

Let's make this a healthy 2012 and join us in an exciting 
year of growth and expansion!

During the past month, the FFCF has been on the road tirelessly, from South Carolina to New Hampshire. A variety of events were worked to make available and increase resources, education, and research for fire service members and family either battling or facing a possible cancer diagnosis. Our thanks to the following groups that offered great hospitality and included us in their event:

Spec Rescue International Training and Rescue Services - Virginia Beach, VA

VIrginia Hazardous Materials Conference - Virginia Beach, VA

North Country New Hampshire EMS Conference and Mount Washington, NH

South Carolina Fire Chief's Conference, Anderson, SC

Hosting an event and wish to have an FFCF advocate or materials
as part of your program? Contact us:  cell@ffcancer.org  or 
toll-free (866) 411-3323 (FFCF)