Dazzleshaboom - Balloons Over Broome  is a children's book (ages 4 -8) written by our friend Elaine Sullivan Sawyer and illustrated by her niece Alli. The book is a story of the adventures of a dog named Dewey who visits the Broome County, N.Y Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally, an annual August event. The book is filled with colorful illustrations and aerial photos of the Binghamton, N.Y. area. The book is sure to delight any young reader and makes a wonderful gift.

In an effort to assist us in raising funds for cancer research, we have teamed up with the author to make the book available to our supporters for a $20. donation per book. To order your copy, send a check payable to "The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc."  4 Loretta Drive Binghamton, N.Y.  13905. If you would like to buy the book as a gift and have it signed by the author, please include the childs name, address and any special message.

Thank you for your continued support. Forward any questions or comments to letsfirecancer@aol.com

THANK YOU!!! To all of our loyal supporters and our new supporters for making this years fund raising event at Uno's a huge success. Hope to see you all again next year.

As part of our annual fund raiser at Uno's we have a raffle. This years raffle included three entertainment package prizes. The winners:

1st Prize: Bill Breslin Vestal, N.Y.

2nd Prize: Greg Buell Chenango Forks, N.Y.

3rd Prize: Lillian Snyder Marathon, N.Y.

A special "THANK YOU" to all of our generous contributors: Aria on the Avenue, The Binghamton Mets, The Binghamton Senators, Bud's Place, Christie's Steakhouse & Grill, Cold Stone Creamery, Consol Family Kitchen, Cortese Restaurant, Donoli's Restaurant, The Holiday Inn Arena, IHOP, Jonathon's Restaurant, Kampai Japanese Restaurant, Maplewood Inn & Spa - Syracuse, N.Y.,Moxie Wood Fire Grill, Pronto Cucina, Spirit Centered Body Works and Uno's Chicago Grill.

We are currently seeking donations of Antique Fire Trucks. If you or someone you know is in a postion to donate an antique fire truck - we would love to hear from you. All donated trucks will be sold, raffled or auctioned with all proceeds going directly to cancer research. Please contact President Bill Newland at letsfirecancer@aol.com

UPDATE: We were recently conatcted by the family of a gentleman who passed away from cancer. The family has agreed to donate their Father's PRIDE & JOY - a 1963 Maxim Fire Truck. It has been agreed to sell the truck with proceeds from the sale going directly to cancer research. More information regarding the truck and the sale will be posted here as soon as all of the details become available.

We recently conducted a major fund raising campaign and wish to acknowledge some of the many who supported our efforts.

Pelham, N.Y. Local 2213

LaGrange, N.Y Local 3813

North Hudson, N.J. Local 3950

Newark, N.J.  (Officers) Local 1860

Greenburgh, N.Y. Local 1586

Lebanon, PA. Local 1952

Pittsburgh, PA. Local 1

Perth Amboy, N.J. Local 286

Tonawanda, N.Y. Local 859

Johnstown, R.I. Local 1950

Larchmont, N.Y. Local 895

Washington, PA. Local 2218

Lincoln, MA. Local 443

Hartford, CT. Local 760

Syracuse, N.Y. Local 280

Binghamton, N.Y. Local 729

Brattleboro, VT. Local

Mamaroneck, N.Y. Local 898

West Bridgewater, MA. Local 2610

Rome, N.Y. Local 694

Middletown, N.Y. Local

Scarsdale, N.Y. Local 1394

Marlborough, MA. Local 1714

Auburn, N.Y. Local 1446

Amsterdam, N.Y. Local 2825

Etna, ME. Local

Garden City, N.Y. Local 1588

Marshfield, MA. Local 2568

Buffalo, N.Y. Local 282

Corning, N.Y. Local 932

The Philadelphia Police & Fire Pipes & Drums Band

Broome County, N.Y. Ancient Order Of Hibernians

On behalf of the entire board, please accept our sincere thanks and gratitude for your generous contributions. Together we can make a difference. God Bless You All!!

Dear Fellow Retiree,

  Like many of you I spent a long, rewarding and very fulfilling career in the Professional Fire service. Like most of you I could (and should have) written a book about the highs and lows of the job, the good times and the bad times, the great friends, the many social events and the practical jokes (sometimes on the receiving end and sometimes on the delivering end). Very few (if any) have any idea what it is like to make a living as a Professional Fire Fighter - unless you've been there. After retirement, I felt the need to continue to "HELP OTHERS" and so, with the help of many started The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc. a registered 501(c)3 non profit organization. The sole purpose of the Organization is to raise funding for cancer research, specifically those cancers that are killing our Brother & Sister Firefighters. All funds raised go directly to cancer research programs, NO ONE (including myself) receives any salary or stipend.

Like most of you I have lost TOO MANY  Brothers & Sisters to this horrific disease and through the efforts of this Organization - I hope that we can collectively do something positive to change that trend.

I kindly and respectfully ask each and everyone of you to consider getting involved so that together WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  Please consider how you, your group or your organization might assist our efforts in raising funds for cancer research. Lets give hope to those who have been and those who will be diagnosed with cancer. I am sure that you'll agree with me when I say "NO ONE DOES IT BETTER THAN FIRE FIGHTERS"  -  lets do this better too!

Please feel free to email me your thoughts and ideas at letsfirecancer@aol.com

Thanking you in advance for your help and your consideration. God Bless you all.

                                                               Sincerely & Fraternally,

                                                                       Bill Newland, President

We have received a number of requests to create a memorial page on this web site, to honor those Professional Fire Fighters both active and retired who have passed as a result of occupational cancer. The memorial page has been created and can be accessed at the left hand column of this page under "MEMORIAL PAGE". Due to the delicate nature of posting this information, all information submitted will be closely reviewed and verified prior to posting it on this web site. It is the sole intent of this organization to provide the memorial page as a tribute to our Brothers & Sisters who have passed from occupational cancer. All submissions must be made by email and sent to: letsfirecancer@aol.com Thanking you in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Bill Newland, President

The delegates at the 70th annual convention of The New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association recently held in Saratoga Springs, New York unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc.

THE RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, cancer is recocognized as one of the deadliest diseases known to mankind; and

WHEREAS, cancer does not discriminate, but affects people from all walks of life regardless of age, gender or health; and

WHEREAS, firefighters face the risk of contracting certain forms of cancer two to four times greater than does the general population as per a number of bona fide medical studies; and

WHEREAS, Experts from the American Cancer Society, the Center for Disease Control and other organizations have repeatedly stated that advances in cancer treatments, early detection and an eventual cure for cancer will only come through cancer research; and

WHEREAS, of the more than 1,000 new cancer research grant applications received each year by the American Cancer Society, currently only 10% can be funded; and

WHEREAS, one organization, The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc., a non profit 501(C) 3 organization has been established for the sole purpose of raising funding for cancer research - specifically those cancers where firefighters have a greater incidence than does the general population; and

WHEREAS, firefighters have a long history of caring, making a difference in the lives of people and support organizations which facilitate care, change and improve the lives of mankind; and

WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society has partnered with, supports, and endorses the efforts of The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, all board members of The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc. are either active or retired professional firefighters or individuals with close ties to the professional firefighter service and none receive any salary or stipend; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association recognize, support and encourage their members to assist the efforts of The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc.

The resolution was unanimously adopted by the convention delegates duly convened in session on July 16, 2008.

On behalf of the entire board of The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every delegate from across New York State for their support and their encouagement in passing this resolution. A special "THANK YOU" goes out to the members of host local I.A.F.F. 343, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. for a truly remarkable & enjoyable convention. - Sincerely & Fraternally, Bill Newland, President

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the following I.A.F.F. locals for their recent contributions to the fund:

Local 280 - Syracuse, N.Y.

Local 3359 - Niagara Falls, N.Y. (Officers Union)

Local 628 - Yonkers, N.Y.

Local 921 - Johnson City, N.Y.

Local 343 Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Local 461 - Kingston, N.Y.

Local 191 - Watertown, N.Y.

Local 1952 - Lebanon, PA.

Local 1446 - Auburn, N.Y.

Local 1495 - Billerica, MA.

Local 2346 - Centerville, MA.

Local 898 - Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Local 616 - Dunkirk, N.Y.

Local 2692 - Oneida, N.Y.

Local 729 - Binghamton, N.Y.

Local 86 - Troy, N.Y.

Local 3794 - Ridge Road (Rochester, N.Y.)

Kindly consider adding your Local's name to this list. Together we can make a difference in the way cancer is detected, treated and "CURED". Forward your contribution to:

The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc.

4 Loretta Drive

Binghamton, N.Y.   13905