Resolution No. 35 – Support of Cancer Research

Resolution No. 35
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Health & Safety
Re: Support of Cancer Research – Substitute Adopted

1	WHEREAS, cancer is recognized as one of the
2	deadliest diseases known to mankind; and
3	WHEREAS, cancer does not discriminate, but
4	affects people from all walks of life regardless of
5	age, gender, or health; and
6	WHEREAS, fire fighters face the risk
7	of contracting certain types of cancer with occurrence
8	rates being two to four times greater than the general
9	population, as per a number of bona fide medical
10	studies; and
11	WHEREAS, experts from the National Institute of
12	Health, the National Cancer Institute and other
13	prominent organizations have repeatedly stated that
14	cancer diagnoses are expected to significantly
15	increase as our longevity increases and that advances
16	in cancer treatment, early detection and an eventual
17	cure will only come through cancer prevention and
18	research; and
19	WHEREAS, government funding for cancer
20	research has been drastically reduced in recent years;
21	and
22	WHEREAS, fire fighters both active and retired
23	are being diagnosed and succumbing to certain types
24	of cancers at alarming rates; and
25	WHEREAS, The International Association of Fire
26	Fighters has recognized and made public that
27	“Cancer is the number one killer of fire fighters in
28	the fire service”; and
29	WHEREAS, fire fighters have a long and
30	distinguished history of not only taking care of our
31	own but also taking care of others; and
32	WHEREAS, only one organization The Retired
33	Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc. a non
34	profit 501(c)3 organization founded by both active
35	and retired IAFF members, none of which receive
36	any salary or stipend but provide in kind service, has
37	raised and donated over $100,000 since 2010
38	to world renowned cancer research programs across
39	North America. However, in order to make a greater
40	impact much more needs to be done; and
41	WHEREAS, there are organizations affiliated
42	with fire fighters who offer educational programs,
43	advocacy programs and personal support programs
44	for fire fighters diagnosed with cancer but do not
45	provide funding for cancer research; and
46	WHEREAS, a per capita increase of three cents
47	per member per month equates to 36 cents per year
48	(less than the cost of a first class postage stamp in
49	both the United States and Canada) will generate
50	approximately $90,000 per year for promising
51	cancer research, without significant financial burden
52	to the IAFF or its members; therefore be it
53	RESOLVED, That The International Association
54	of Fire Fighters increase their per capita dues by 3
55	cents per month with ALL funds going directly to
56	established cancer research programs and not a third
57	party charity. Research programs selected will focus
58	on those cancers where there is documented evidence
59	that fire fighters have higher occurrence rates when
60	compared to the general population. Where and when
61	possible that said funds be given to established
62	cancer research programs in North America, and be
63	it further
64	RESOLVED, That the IAFF Executive Board will
65	be the sole deciding organization in determining
66	where 100% of these funds are allocated for cancer
67	research programs; and be it further
68	RESOLVED, That The Retired Professional Fire
69	Fighters Cancer Fund remains available to assist the
70	Executive Board as needed.

Submitted by: Local 729, Binghamton, NY
Cost Estimate: 3 cents

Resolution No. 35 – Support of Cancer Research

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