Join Us — Because Early Detection Changes Everything

Some nights are fun. Some events make a difference. This one does both. The DetecTogether Gala, Auction & Golf Tournament brings together laughter, community, and purpose — all to help ensure more families hear the words “we found it early,” and more lives are saved because of it.

That’s why this work matters. And why your presence does, too.

Saturday, May 30 | Gala & Auction Night
An unforgettable evening featuring Emmy-nominated comedian Mike Birbiglia, incredible food and drinks, exclusive auction packages, and dancing with South of Sunrise Band.

Monday, June 1 | Golf Tournament
The impact continues with a day on the course with purpose—bringing together players, sponsors, and supporters to help more firefighters recognize when something isn’t right and take action sooner.

Every ticket, every bid, every swing helps put a life-saving plan in someone’s hands.

Join us. Changing Futures Together — Today.

Many people are wondering if a machine can help detect cancer before a doctor can.

AI is changing early detection in powerful ways—but it also raises important questions about trust, equity, and access.

...Someone in the U.S. hears the words "You have cancer".

And here is another thing most firefighters don't realize: You have the power to save your own life as early detection starts with you—the small change you almost ignore. The feeling that something’s “off.” The moment you decide to pay attention—and act.

That’s where earlier detection—and better outcomes—begin. Firefighters should have a plan for that moment.

3 Steps Detect® gives you one—so you can Know Your Great Health, recognize changes sooner, and take action with confidence.

Because catching cancer early isn’t luck. It’s knowing what to do next.

Training calendars are packed—but early detection can’t wait.

Most firefighters are never taught how to recognize the early signs of cancer or what to do when something feels off.

And that matters.

Because cancer rarely starts with one big, obvious symptom.
It shows up as subtle, persistent changes that are easy to explain away, push through, or ignore in a job where toughness is the norm.

Without a clear framework, even the most disciplined professionals can:

That delay is where cancer gains ground.

DetecTogether’s First Responder Training program addresses this gap by teaching firefighters how to notice changes, interpret them, and act with urgency and clarity.

Because early detection isn’t about luck, it’s about knowing what to look for and what to do next.

And right now, there’s a unique opportunity to bring this training to your department.

Through support from the Gary Sinise Foundation, we’re offering this program to 15 large metro departments at no cost—including travel and delivery expenses typically covered by departments—for trainings scheduled before the end of 2026.

This is a chance to fully equip your team and put lifesaving skills in place ahead of Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month (January 2027).

Not a large metro department? You’re not on the sidelines. We have options for you too.

Because when it comes to cancer, Response Time Matters.

At Phoenix Fire Department, their motto is “our family helping your family.” Internally, they’ve adapted that to “our family helping our family” and it shows in how they prioritize the health and safety of their own.

That mindset is exactly why they chose to bring in DetecTogether’s training.

Deputy Chief Jo Ellen Caldwell championed the effort, recognizing that protecting her team means going beyond awareness and giving firefighters clear, practical guidance on when and how to engage the healthcare system.

Because in the fire service, it’s not a lack of discipline that leads to delays. It’s a lack of training on what to look for and what to do next.

Phoenix saw this as an opportunity to close that gap.

They hosted a Train-the-Trainer session for members and extended the training to civilian staff to ensure the entire department shares a common language and approach to early detection.

More importantly, they’re not treating this as a one-time training.

They’re integrating it into their ongoing training days as part of their health and wellness strategy and embedding these skills into the culture of the department, just like any other lifesaving protocol.

Because taking care of your own starts with giving them the tools to act early.

Tucson Fire Department isn’t waiting for cancer to become someone else’s problem.

They’ve seen firsthand how often cancer impacts the fire service and they know this isn’t just a risk, it’s a reality.

That’s why Tucson leaned in.

Leadership recognized that DetecTogether’s training goes beyond the importance of early detection awareness. It equips firefighters with the skills to recognize changes, act on them, be proactive about recommended screenings, and navigate the often complicated path from symptom to diagnosis.

We trained their firefighter instructors, alongside participants from neighboring departments including Drexel Heights and Tohono O’odham Nation Fire Department, building regional capacity to strengthen early detection skills across crews.

Because protecting firefighters doesn’t stop at the fireground.
It means preparing them for the realities they face off-duty—and giving them the tools to act before it’s too late.

We're grateful to Boston Scientific leaders for their collaboration with DetecTogether. Their support helps us engage more firefighters with lifesaving, skills-based early cancer detection education—empowering individuals to recognize signs and seek care sooner. 

Thank you, Boston Scientific for helping us save lives through early detection. 

Because helping people catch cancer earlier changes the story, and that's worth 26.2 mies.

That’s why Team DetecTogether is heading back to the 2026 Boston Marathon.

For Liam Malanaphy, last year’s race showed him how strongly people connect with DetecTogether’s mission. What inspired him most is that DetecTogether doesn’t just raise awareness; they equip people with the skills to recognize changes in their bodies and act sooner.

He’s running again because he strongly believes in DetecTogether’s movement to help more people take that step from awareness to action.

Spring is here—and it’s your chance to start the season with purpose and practice swings!

Take on the Golf Fights Cancer 100 Hole Challenge: June 4th or 5th at Juniper Hills Golf Course in Northborough, MA

Play 100 holes at Juniper Hills OR your own course, on your own schedule—and turn your game into something that truly matters.

When you play, you help more firefighters detect cancer early.

This round you play this season…
can save a life.

The ASICS Falmouth Road Race isn’t just a summer tradition — it’s a chance to turn 7 scenic miles into lifesaving impact.

Our DetecTogether Charity Athletes are running with purpose: to help more firefighters recognize warning signs and take action sooner—when it matters most.

Want to Run for DetecTogether?
A limited number of charity bibs are still available! Join Team DetecTogether and run for something bigger—helping someone hear the comforting words “we found it early.”

This August, be part of something bigger than the finish line.

"I have always been active in the EMS/Fire community. My mother was the coordinator of San Francisco’s first Emergency Medicine School, and my father was a firefighter at Rescue 2 in San Francisco and also became a medic. I’m a child of EMS and Fire, and I think I absorbed some of the lessons while in utero...

Today, I am cancer free and have been working hard to stay that way, as well as to help other firefighters remain healthy."

Hear what Kenneth wants fellow firefighters to know:

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53 Otis Street, Westborough, MA 01581

(508) 869-5200

detectogether.org

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