A Year of Progress and Community Support
The SF Firefighter’s Cancer Prevention Foundation looks back on a year of significant changes and progress toward improving firefighter health and bringing together a strong community of support for our mission and vision.
Celebrating 17 Years: Igniting Hope Gala
We started the year off with the sold-out 17th Anniversary “Igniting Hope Gala” at the Palace Hotel. Guests honored our San Francisco Firefighters and supported our efforts to provide services and support to those with cancer diagnoses while enjoying the remarks of former MLB player and sports analyst Hunter Pence and honoring the White Helmet recipients, Michael Green, Founder and former CEO of the Center for Environmental Health, and Peter Caroll, MD, UCSF Professor of Urology.
Breaking New Ground in Firefighter Health Research
Our research efforts took a big leap forward with two studies that take us in a new and exciting direction. Past research was primarily focused on documenting the toxic exposures that disproportionately affect firefighters. These studies have been recognized nationally and have contributed to legislation around the country to improve workers’ compensation laws by making cancer diagnoses presumptively related to work.
In 2024, we expanded our prevention efforts to see whether diet and nutrition can provide additional protection against cancer and heart disease by launching two key studies:
Igniting Firefighter Health Study: Dr. Christopher Gardner at the Stanford University Research Center – whose study was chronicled in a Netflix Documentary “You Are What You Eat” – will direct a similar study to examine the effects of a plant-based diet on reducing metabolic risk factors for cancer and heart disease. Starting in January 2025, he and his team began recruitment for 120 active San Francisco firefighters who will be randomly assigned to a plant-based diet or a healthy omnivore diet for 12 weeks. Participants will provide blood and other samples during the course of the study which will be analyzed to identify inflammatory markers that are also known to be markers for cancer. A documentary film will highlight the findings.
Broc Shot Study: This study will explore the preventative effects of sulforaphane, a plant-based compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables.
These groundbreaking studies could have far-reaching implications for firefighters all over the world.
Fighting for Firefighter Safety Through Legislation
Our support for legislation to protect firefighter health and benefits has seen positive results in both state and local government:
California Assembly Bill 2408: This bill, which would prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of firefighter protective equipment containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals, will be reintroduced in 2025 with stronger language to prevent manufacturers from replacing PFAS chemicals with equally toxic flame retardants.
Local Legislation: A similar bill received wide support from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2024.
Providing Lifesaving Support to Firefighters and Families
Health Navigators Judith Lynch, Jeff Malone, and Nick Oxford continue their efforts assisting firefighters and their family members who have cancer diagnoses, serving well over 100 individuals at any given time. Donations help support:
- Second opinion evaluations at UCSF
- Transfers of care to cancer experts
- Other forms of financial assistance
Ensuring Transparency and Maximizing Donor Impact
As our donors continue their generosity, the Board took the important step of undergoing a rigorous financial audit. The results reflect the efforts of our all-volunteer board to ensure that 95% of all donations directly support firefighter health and prevention efforts.
We look forward to a busy 2025 as we welcome the new year!