We count on them. When the situation is too dangerous, they take over.
Firefighters are the most trusted of all professionals, according to surveys. By nature, people attracted to the job are caring, responsible, and brave. That’s what makes it so much harder to accept when a firefighter is struck by the dangers to the profession.
One of the hazards of being repetitively in the presence of burning plastics and other hazardous materials that release toxins is disease, and firefighters end up with more than their share compared to the rest of us.
So much so, in fact, that in a rare move last May, all political parties at the provincial level unanimously voted in favour of legislating automatic approval of workplace insurance claims by firefighters for eight different types of cancer.
That was little comfort to Innisfil ‘smoke-eaters’ when they learned their friend and co-worker, Craig Hofland, had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He had been experiencing pain in his ribs and doctors at first thought he had pulled muscles. This form of bone cancer is a painful condition that affects the cells that make antibodies to fight disease.
In multiple myeloma, the cells produce abnormal antibodies that don’t work properly and that crowd out red blood cells, frequently causing anemia as well as kidney problems and other illness. The condition is incurable, but it can be forced into remission using steroids, chemotherapy, stem cell transplants and drug therapy.
Hofland says his doctors are quite optimistic they can get his condition into remission and get him back behind the hose for another go at what he loves by January 2009. Specialists plan to harvest some of the 53 year old’s healthy stem cells, freeze them and then re-introduce them into his bone marrow following chemotherapy.
“I could relapse in a year,” Hofland notes matter-of-factly. “They’re going to take enough stem cells to do it three times.”
As firefighter types are prone to do, the Innisfil crew put their heads together in search of some kind of action they could take to address this monster that suddenly appeared in their midst. Jim Hunter and Tom Raeburn decided on something to help pay for care and hopefully the cure for their buddy and others like him.
They and two other firefighters, John Chiarotto and Ryan Houlieff signed up for The Ride to Conquer Cancer, an over 200-kilometre bike ride from Toronto to Niagara Falls that will take place June 20-22. Houlieff is a marathoner, and is expected to be a great inspiration to the team.
Local Subway Franchisees Chris and Sheila Sturtridge were the first local entrepreneurs to jump on board with team Innisfil Fire, pledging $2,500. Proceeds will support breakthrough research, teaching and care at Princess Margaret, one of the top five cancer research hospitals in the world.
So far, team Innisfil Fire has reached 45 per cent of its funding goal of $11,400.
It’s not too often firefighters count on the community, and this is one great chance to give back to those who put their lives on the line for us.
A contribution of any size can be made to the team online through Jim Hunter’s personal page at www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Toronto2008?pg=personal&fr_id=1201&px=1501361
Drop off donations at Alcona Fire Station 1 on Innisfil Beach Road east of 25 Sideroad care of Captain Jim Hunter or Tom Raeburn.
Today's Weather 
Unknown and 15°C
Unknown and 15°C
