The Hidden Cost of Service

Firefighting is one of the most noble and demanding professions in our society. Each call requires bravery, selflessness, and a willingness to face life-threatening hazards. Yet behind the heroism lies a sobering truth: firefighters carry a silent and disproportionate health burden.

From the constant inhalation of smoke and diesel exhaust, to direct contact with flame retardants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other environmental toxins, firefighters are exposed to chemicals that infiltrate the lungs, skin, bloodstream, and even endocrine systems. Over time, these exposures accumulate, raising the risk of thyroid disease, hormone imbalances, metabolic dysfunction, and cancer

Our clinical advisorsI have been privileged to work closely with firefighters. Their resilience is unmatched, yet I have also witnessed how their bodies and minds pay the price for repeated toxic exposures and relentless stress. To serve this population well, we need both conventional medical tools and integrative strategies that target detoxification, hormone balance, and long-term metabolic resilience. This article outlines the unique health issues I encounter in firefighters, followed by evidence-based detoxification programs I have developed—both for daily protection and for post-incident recovery. 

CHECK OUT OUR PARTER SITE: DETOXSCAN.ORG

Afterthought from Ret. FDNY Responder Sal Banchitta
“We Can’t Undo the Dust, But We Can Change What Happens Next”

It’s been twenty-four years since that morning we all swore we’d never forget. For many of us who were down there on the pile, time has made the memories quieter — but the health reminders louder. Every cough, every scan, every funeral for another brother or sister reminds us that the work isn’t over. The dust didn’t stop falling when the fires went out. It followed us home, settled in our lungs, and became a part of our daily reality.
When I started “Get Checked Now!”, the mission was simple: get our people screened before it’s too late. I lost too many friends to cancers that could have been caught early. Partnering with Dr. Robert Bard gave us the tools to turn awareness into action. His imaging technology made early detection personal — it gave our community a fighting chance.

Now, twenty-four years later, we’re adding a new chapter — detoxification. We’ve learned that the same toxins that caused the first wave of illness are still sitting in our systems. Even the guys who never smoked, never drank, who worked out and ate right — they’re getting hit. That’s why I’m proud to support Dr. Bard’s DETOXSCAN™, because it’s not just about finding cancer; it’s about understanding the toxic footprint left behind and doing something about it. “You can’t change what you breathed back then, but you can change how your body deals with it now.” SEE COMPLETE FEATURE

HONORING "THE 699 AT THE ROCK" - excerpt from FACES NEWS release
5/22/2022- After decades of waiting to get a plaque made to commemorate the 1975 NY Tel Exchange Fire, it took Dan Noonan (national advocate for the 699 firefighters who battled the fire) to partner with The Fire Bell Club of NY and the FDNY Fire Academy, aka "The Rock" in Randall’s Island, NY to finally make this event happen! Honoring one of NYC's major disaster (Feb. 27, 1975) via a Memorial Wall and Plaque Dedication Ceremony was what many first responders have been waiting for. (see complete FD VIDEO / also see Dr. Bard's speech)

A SECOND PLAQUE
I had the distinct pleasure of presenting the first "BARD AWARD' (fully known as 'The Robert L. Bard Distinguished Advocacy Leadership Award') to Dan Noonan for his 45+ year commitment and his personal mission of public advocacy is best to be described as a work of true art. We watched him diligently reshape and re-polish his story in every turn, perfecting a vivid picture about the 1975 fire- leaving all audiences with a true-to-life experience after each of his presentations. His latest depiction was undoubtedly his best version yet- adding even more detail and inflection and passion to the story. He brought us there as a young probie jumping into action that fateful day, unaware of the many dangers and health implications. (see complete coverage)

SUPPORT FROM THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY
As the 1975 Fire is finally receiving its proper commemoration for the 699 responders who gave all to the most dangerous fire in NY FD history, it is fitting to have he one clinical expert in cancer diagnostics carry the honors of appreciation for the NY fire service and the 47+ year effort of Dan Noonan for an unending commitment to keep the fires of the "Great 699" alive- and the lessons learned from this chapter in fire history. Dr. Robert Bard, Chief Medical Advisor of F.A.C.E.S. took on the pulpit for closing ceremonial statements in the name of prevention, public health and awareness about all the new treatment modalities that are available to our service personnel. (See Dr. Bard's complete closing statements)

LET'S BATTLE CANCER TOGETHER! The desire to extend a helping hand to those in need is in all of us- especially when someone's health or physical well being is at risk. FIREFIGHTERS lead this spirit of responding to a call for rescue during times of crisis or disaster. BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A RESPONDER NEEDS HELP?

Leading the global front of this helping hand means searching for all available RESOURCES. FACES bands together as a community to form a solid support resource system between all cancer organizations and firefighter support groups.

FIREFIGHTERS AGAINST CANCER & EXPOSURES ( F.A.C.E.S. ) is founded by Christopher Conner of Bedford, TX. As a first responder, Chris established a community of resources dedicated to helping firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer. Originally established as a charitable foundation, the 2021 version of FACES aligns with the strength of all cancer orgs, cancer resources and first responder groups to collectively bring public support and aid to our heroes in all ways possible. Firefighters and their families dedicate their lives and lifestyles to save others; it is our turn to help them. Heroum Animas Salvas. Save the Lives of Heroes.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF CARE
Leading the global front of this helping hand means searching for all available RESOURCES. F.A.C.E.S. bands together as a community to form a solid support resource system between all cancer organizations and firefighter support groups.

In the early 1900's, identifying cancer meant certain death. This brought the medical and non-medical people together to help establish the beginnings of what is to become a world-wide mission to battle and elimintate cancers and other devastating illnesses. Some of the most remarkable organizations have formed such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (1949) and the American Cancer Society (1913) who worked tirelessly in their crusade by assembling fundraisers, perform outreach projects and conduct educational programs-- all in the name of finding help for the many victims while funding the continuance of medical research for advanced treatment options. In recent years, cancer mortality has successfully shown a consistent decline due to the effectiveness of modern treatments and advanced methodologies. Where strongly funded and well-supported sciences are gaining significant technological advantage over what was once a vastly unknown disease, the rate of survivors are measuring well above the stats from years prior. But the fight is far from over.

HOW WE CAN HELP
When it comes to supporting our first responders, you don't get a better connection than firefighters helping firefighters. FACES carries a national presence, building new alliances each day. All FACES ambassadors are knowledgeable and compassionate to the history of cancer exposures and occupational health issues that plague everyone in the fire service. For those who are recently diagnosed or experiencing recurrence, we can help.

1) FREE COUNSELING: The devastating and emotional pressures that come with being diagnosed can affect your decision making process. Understanding this, FACES provides free counseling on just about every part of your process including:

2) RESOURCE ADVISORY & DIRECTORY: FACES has access to an extensive library of resources for cancer patients in need. Once our support team identifies your needs, we compile a set of initial, secondary and ongoing set of recommendations for our members. Our FACES resource directory includes:

THE 2021 F.A.C.E.S. UNITE PROJECT
Firefighters Against Cancer & Exposures is a national association comprised of active and retired firefighters, cancer advocates, medical professionals, educators and patient advocates united to provide a wide range of supportive resources. These resources are available to any and all first responders in need of assistance. Our members are committed to the continued extension of help to the many who have sacrificed all in the line of duty of the fire service. (also visit our ALLIANCE and PARTNERS pages)

The 2021 FACES UNITE project launches its expanded mission of leadership to build a coalition of cancer care foundations and first responders support organziations. Together, we form an alliance of resources as part of our unending mission to bring advocacy and other forms of aid to cancer victims in the fire service.

What is a CHALLENGE COIN?
Often held by officials in the rescue or public service (ie. military, law enforcement, firefighters etc), a challenge coin is a custom-designed medallion bearing an organization's insignia or emblem and carried by the organization's members. It uniquely represents the group's uniqueness either by imprinting their motto or philosophy and/or impactful icons. The challenge coin is traditionally granted to a special individual to prove membership or loyalty when challenged and to enhance morale. The F.A.C.E.S. challenge coin is awarded to our honorable members who go above and beyond for others, or to cancer survivors who fought valiantly, enduring all the adversities of battling illness.

F.A.C.E.S. 2.0 : Facing Together with an International Coalition of Support
4/15/2021" The NY Cancer Resource Alliance and the directors of the First Responders "GET CHECKED NOW!" program united with Lt. Chris Conner, president and founder of F.A.C.E.S. (Firefighters Against Cancer & Exposures) to form a global alliance to spearhead public awareness, education, resources and support for firefighters with cancer. The Bedford Texas based charitable fund to bring rescue to firefighters in need (from Cancer) joined the IC.R.A. (Integrative Cancer Resource Alliance) to drive their common crusade beyond the domestic borders. (see complete article)

FIRST RESPONDERS CANCER STUDY: PSA TEST VS. PROSTATE CANCER IMAGING
Prostate cancer, now considered the most common cancer in men, especially African-Americans, was rare until the 1950’s. Earlier, a blood test identifying prostate specific antigen (PSA was developed for use in “rape kits” to provide criminal evidence in court) was never designed as the screening tool for prostate cancer that it has become today. Our national guidelines recommend screening with PSA for men age 55 to 69, a recommendation that 40% of men follow. But what happens after a PSA test is termed positive? It has been confirmed by toxicologists and medical reports worldwide that OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH DISORDERS are predominant in the fire service. First responders hold potential cancer risks from the most extreme toxic exposures in every fire rescue call. (see our SCIENCE REVIEW page)