Source: SFFCPF Health Navigation Team
Health Navigators: Jeff Malone, Retired SFFD | Judith Lynch, RN BS MAOM | Nick Oxford, Active SFFD | Adam Wood, Retired SFFD
In its work with firefighters and family members, SFFCPF has referred many patients to our vetted Mental Health providers for individual therapy since 2022. In 2024, the providers proposed to partner with the Foundation to offer support groups. The Board overwhelmingly approved sponsoring the groups and the first group was launched in Fall. To date 4 groups of active and retired members have been run.
About the Groups
The Firefighter Cancer Support Group is a closed, 10-week program for active and retired firefighters navigating a cancer diagnosis or life after treatment. Groups are kept small, with five members or fewer, and meet once a week for ninety minutes. Each session is facilitated by two licensed therapists and is designed to balance safety with honest conversation. It is a space where participants can speak openly about the physical, emotional, and relationship issues that can arise after a serious diagnosis.
Over the course of ten weeks, members:
- Build trust and share coping strategies
- Talk about fear, uncertainty, identity, and purpose
- Find relief with people who share the experience of firefighting and cancer
- Learn practical tools for managing stress and family communication
- Hold space for silence, storytelling, grief, and even laughter
What Happens in Sessions
Over the course of ten weeks, members build trust, share coping strategies, and find relief in the company of people who share both the experience of the fire service and the cancer journey. Conversations may include fear, uncertainty, identity, purpose, or life beyond the firehouse. Some sessions focus on practical tools for managing stress or communicating with family, while others simply hold space for whatever is unfolding in the moment. There is room for silence as well as storytelling, for grief as well as laughter.
Additional Resources
Why It Matters
For first responders, whose work is built on resilience and service, the shift into receiving care can be especially challenging. The groups offer a way to navigate those changes in community rather than alone.
Looking Ahead
Plans are underway to extend the groups to partners of firefighters—both those with cancer and those supporting a firefighter with cancer. Learn more about SFFCPF Health Services and Prevention Programs, or explore more SFFCPF News Updates.