Tony Stefani, President, San Francisco Firefighter Cancer Prevention Foundation
Since it’s inception over 14 years ago, the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation (SFFCPF) has been, and continues to be, committed to the prevention and early detection of cancer and providing access to cutting edge care for active and retired members of the San Francisco Fire Department. Our goals are based on scientific research, education, cancer screenings and health navigation. Through this research and advocacy we aim to improve public health and end the threat of job-related cancer in the firefighting profession.
Our Foundation also provides financial assistance to the men and women of the San Francisco Fire Department as they battle cancer. The initial step was $500.00 toward any second opinion that was not covered by insurance. Over the years we have graduated to a position where we can now provide up to $1000.00 for a second opinion, up to $3,000 for genomic testing and up to $2,500 for travel expenses if a particular treatment is not avail able in your local vicinity.
As we draw closer to our Foundation’s 15 year anniversary, it is with great enthusiasm that I now announce our Foundation will expand its Health Navigation program to several Bay Area Departments in the coming months. Our goal is to ensure that firefighters with cancer are properly diagnosed and have access to information about state of the art treatment. Our Health Navigators will link firefighters with expert cancer specialists in the region for consultation. As our own department has benefited greatly by this support system, it’s time to offer the same help to our fellow firefighters outside of SFFD.
The expansion will be a six-month pilot program, to allow for incremental growth of both our Health Navigation team and our relationships with the finest university medical centers available. The program will encompass all members of the fire service in departments represented by District 4 of the California Professional Firefighters (CPF), basically extending from Sonoma County to San Jose. If the pilot program is successful, our intention is to eventually expand our services to all California firefighters.
Of course, none of this would be possible if not for our very generous donors. We are very excited about this expansion and very thankful for your continued support of our Foundation. We are now here for you. More information will be announced as this expansion is rolled out.