In this episode, we welcome Larry Gambotto and Joe Warne. Larry and Joe are here to discuss cancer in the frontline community, the mental and emotional impact of the disease, and various services, networks, and resources that are available to frontline workers and their families.
Larry is the Training and Safety Captain for the Rochester Hills Fire Department, a co-chair of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union Safety and Health Committee, and a cancer survivor. In addition, Larry is the State Director of Michigan for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN). The FCSN helps firefighters, EMS professionals, and their families cope with cancer. It is their goal to provide occupational cancer awareness, prevention training, and support for those dealing with cancer nationwide. Visit firefightercancersupport.org to join the fight today to educate, support, and make a difference.
Joe Warne is a firefighter and EMT at the Macomb Township Fire Department. In addition, Joe is the President of Neighbors United which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting firefighters battling cancer. The organization’s main initiative is the #walkfortheRED annual fundraiser which is a 140-mile walk in full bunker gear that begins in Macomb Township, Michigan, and ends in Cascade, Michigan. Since its inception in 2019, Neighbors United has helped nearly 150 firefighting families affected by cancer, donating over $500,000. The group aims to raise funds to provide significant financial support to each firefighter and their family. Neighbors United emphasizes the higher cancer risk in firefighters due to exposure to carcinogens and strives to support those in the firefighting community who are affected by this disease. Visit walkforthered.org for more information and to donate!