Firefighters sound sirens for cancer awareness

The imminent dangers of firefighting can be obvious: burning structures become likely to collapse, scorching temperatures can overwhelm the body and smoke permeates the area.

But even after the flames have been extinguished, there lingers an assailant equally capable of igniting another menace.

"Virtually anything in the home produces carcinogens when they're burned, so the threat of cancer increases," Odessa Fire Marshal Detra White said. "And that's not just in the burning, but also during overhaul - when we take out things like burned mattresses - after the fire."
A California group of firefighters named CODE 3 For a Cure is touring the nation spreading information about the likeliness of cancer in firefighters. They stopped Thursday by the Central Fire Station, en route to El Paso.

"We started June 13 in Los Angeles and continued to collect names of those who died from cancer," said Lorenzo Abundiz, CODE 3 For a Cure crewmember. "Those people have opened the doors to better equipment. I saw many of my comrades suffer from the disease, and I felt compelled to do something."

Abundiz also battled cancer, first defeating sarcoma (a cancer that affects connective and soft tissue), then he battled kidney cancer from tar exposure, having his kidney removed in 2003.

"One day in my bed, I told my wife that I would take a firetruck across the country to celebrate beating cancer while remembering those who've struggled with it," he said. "We plan to continue this mission as long as cancer exists."

CODE 3 For a Cure collected 12 names of Odessa firefighters who were victims of cancer. While the group was eastbound, they read the list in New York, and they've continued collecting names as they head back west. They plan to read the entire list at a final ceremony where the journey began, in Los Angeles.

Abundiz said that his experience in Odessa has been wonderful.

"We were at Subway and everyone there asked us who we were, and they were all in support of what we're doing - they even gave us free cookies," he said. "We hope that just being here will generate exposure to our cause."

Abundiz also said CODE 3 For a Cure helps beyond cancer in firefighters.

"This is really about everyone. We want to spark interest in the nonprofits, the pharmacies and the scientists - because those are the people battling cancer - so that people make donations toward them," he said.

CODE 3 For a Cure's presence in Odessa helped reinforce cancer awareness, White said.

"This encourages younger firefighters to take advantage of the protective gear," she said. "CODE 3 For a Cure serves as an educator and a reminder for fire safety and that happens not just in fighting fire."

ON THE NET
>> Learn more about Code 3 for a Cure: www.code3foracure.com

online POLL
>> Did you know that firefighters have a higher cancer rate? Vote online at www.oaoa.com.