COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Hoods For Heroes announces partnership with Cancer Specialists of North Florida

Orange Park, Florida – Hoods For Heroes (HFH) has entered into a community partnership with Cancer Specialists of North Florida (CSNF), the company announced today. The partnership between the two companies will allow “chemical blocking” hoods to be provided free of charge to local firefighters across three Northeast Florida counties. These hoods are specifically designed to reduce exposure to deadly “cancer causing” chemicals that firefighters are exposed to daily.

Cancer in fire service is at epidemic levels. With a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer, and a 14 percent higher risk of dying from cancer than the general population, it is easy to understand the increased risk firefighters face on the job. A firefighter’s risk for specific types of cancer is significantly higher. The National Institute of Science and Health (NIOSH) reports that firefighters are at 2.02 times higher risk for testicular cancer, and at 1.53 times greater risk for multiple myeloma. It is reported that as many as one in three firefighters will be diagnosed with cancer during their careers, with current statistics indicating more than 60 percent of line-of-duty deaths are due to cancer. This collaboration will bring awareness and support to those who risk their lives daily to protect others.

“We are excited to partner with CSNF. They are passionate about delivering innovation to cancer care and are committed to providing high-quality health care,” co-founder Bill Hamilton said. “Partnering with a leader in treating cancer and blood disorders will provide value to fire service and the surrounding communities. Healthy firefighters support a healthy community.”

The physicians at Cancer Specialists of North Florida are board certified and have trained at the top medical schools and cancer centers in the world. They treat many different types of cancer and “blood related disorders,” while fostering a collegial environment that generates expertise in the field of personalized care, exhibiting teamwork across all specialties.

“CSNF is delighted to partner with Hoods For Heroes,” Bob Phelan, CSNF, CEO said. “Our goal is to provide these men and women with particulate hoods in order to prevent cancer before it occurs. However, if a firefighter gets sick, it is our job to step in and provide the best possible resources and treatment. Every day, these first responders protect lives, and we feel passionate about protecting theirs in return.”

About Hoods For Heroes

Hoods For Heroes is a national nonprofit with a passion for protecting our first responders. They were founded with the mission of providing lifesaving equipment to the men and women of the fire service. Partnered with more 20 “fire service” related companies, HFH provides support, awareness, and equipment to reduce the rate of cancer throughout the fire service. www.HoodsForHeroes.org @Hoodsforheroes

Pink Up The Pace

Pink up the pace is a race that raises money to help fun imaging services to detect breast cancer. Founded in St. Augustine by Cindy Ortiz and Amy Kaelin, and services those who live in St. John’s and Putnam counties. Moving into its 10 th year, Pink Up The Pace provides free breast cancer screening to those eligible. CSNF has supported this cause for four years and we are looking forward to continuing our support.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are walks that occur across the nation so that the almost 250,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer each year won’t have to feel alone in their diagnosis. Each walk raises awareness and money that funds research and patient services. CSNF proudly participates in the Clay and Duval counties’ walks each year as the Start/Finish Line Sponsor. At CSNF, we love supporting an organization whose services benefit those who are most important to us – our patients.