Each month, another three active or just-retired Boston firefighters are diagnosed with cancer. The cancer rate among firefighters is more than twice the rate for Boston residents over 200 Boston firefighters have died from occupational cancer since 1990. Thirty years ago, firefighters were most often diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers, today the cancers are more often leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma. Firefighters are starting to develop these cancers at a younger age - members with less than 20 years of service and in their 30s and 40s are being diagnosed. There is no denying it - this disease is taking a serious toll on the fire service.

My name is Ronald O'Brien; I am a Boston Fire Lieutenant entering my 18th year of service for the Department. When I first joined the department the majority of cancer related fire deaths and diagnosis' were not firefighters I had worked with or met. Many had already been retired. In recent years, this has drastically changed and this disease is now affecting those I know and have worked side by side with. The reality of occupational cancer is really hitting home. Despite these inherit risks, I could and would never imagine myself doing any other job.

In honor of all of the department's men and women affected by this horrible disease, I've committed to raising $6,000.00 for cancer research by riding in the 2023 Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). On the first weekend in August, I will join 6,500 cyclists in the PMC ride, an 200 mile annual bike-a-thon that raises money for research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) in Boston. Rest assured, 100% of rider-raised revenue goes directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.

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Thank you for your continued support.

FUCK cancer !!