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September 2025
United to Protect Firefighters from CancerJoining forces to deliver early detection training
Cancer is one of the biggest threats firefighters face. Together, we can fight back.
DetecTogether is teaming up with the new Quincy Fire Cancer Foundation (MA) to make sure every Quincy firefighter knows their cancer risk, recognizes warning signs early, and gets the care they deserve.
At the Foundation’s first golf event, more than 200 golfers came out to support their brothers and sisters in the fire service. Every participant went home with life-saving information about early cancer detection.
It was a powerful day—honoring fallen firefighters, standing with those currently fighting, and recommitting to protecting the health of every firefighter still answering the call.
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The Sweetest Sound We HearWhen the bell signals victory
"Three weeks ago, I rang the bell after finishing radiation. Today, I crossed the finish line at the Sydney Marathon.”
When my training got tough, recovery slowed, and my pace dropped, I chalked it up to being overworked. Then I learned DetecTogether’s 3 Steps Detect®—and I listened to my gut. I talked to my doctor, got answers, and caught cancer early.
DetecTogether didn’t just save my running—it saved my life. Every mile of this marathon reminded me that strength and healing can go hand in hand.
Firefighters know what the bell means: it signals that the fight is over and the crew is safe. Help more people hear that bell. Your support powers DetecTogether’s mission—giving firefighters and their families the chance to detect cancer early, finish the fight, and ring the bell.
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Fighting Cancer is a Team Sport—and Missouri Just Joined the RosterBringing lifesaving 3 Steps Detect to the fire service
DetecTogether took the stage at the Missouri First Responder Health and Wellness Conference, where hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and dispatchers gathered to focus on health and wellness.
DetecTogether presented 3 Steps Detect and showed fire departments how to integrate early cancer detection into their wellness programs—earning enthusiastic feedback from the fire service community.
The conference sparked promising connections with leaders from St. Louis Fire and the Missouri Firefighter Critical Illness Pool, creating opportunities to bring training to some of the largest departments in the country.
The message was clear: fighting cancer is a team sport, and Missouri's firefighters are ready to take action.
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L to R: Michael Myers, Jim Coghlin Sr., Hayley MacDonald, Griffin King, Patrick McCarty
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Giving Back: Scoring Big for Early Cancer DetectionWorcester Railers HC and Hayley MacDonald Champion firefighter health
Huge thanks to Hayley and the Worcester Railers for selecting DetecTogether as your Month of Giving nonprofit—firefighters couldn’t be more grateful.
💙 Hayley, Group Events Specialist with the Railers, didn’t just pick our cause—she joined the fight. Inspired by our mission to teach people how to spot early warning signs of cancer, act fast, and collaborate with their doctors for the best care, she helped secure a $1,000 Railers donation and even volunteering her time.
Later this month, Hayley will join DetecTogether to share 3 Steps Detect—helping build a new generation of proactive health advocates.
🙌 Thank you, Hayley and the entire Railers team, for being true champions in the fight against firefighter cancer—and helping save the lives of those who save ours.
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Age Bias: The Silent Risk FactorBreaking the "too tough/too young for cancer" myth
In the fire service, pushing through pain is part of the job—but when it comes to cancer, waiting can cost precious time. Thinking you’re “too young” or “too healthy” for cancer can delay diagnosis—for both you and your doctor.
Cancer rates are rising in younger adults, including firefighters, making awareness and self-advocacy mission-critical.
🔥 3 Quick Tips to Tackle the Myth:
- Don’t shrug off persistent health changes as "stress of the job.”
- Trust your gut—you know when something is off.
- Ask your doctor direct questions: Could this be cancer? What tests can rule it out?
Use DetecTogether’s 3 Steps Detect to spot warning signs, take action, and get answers. The earlier you catch cancer, the better your chances—no matter your age.
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Price of Doing Business PodcastHow firefighters can change the future of cancer care
Ever wondered how your voice could make the entire health care system work better—before you even step into a doctor’s office?
Tricia Laursen, DetecTogether’s President & Executive Director, dropped some truth bombs on the Price of Doing Business podcast. Reaching 290 million U.S. homes, this conversation is a must-listen for firefighters who know the importance of speaking up when something’s wrong—on the job and in their own health.
🎧 What You’ll Learn (& want to bring back to the firehouse):
- How early cancer detection isn’t just a medical issue—it’s a systems issue, and firefighters are a critical part of the system.
- Real stories of people who turned awareness into action—and what shifted because of them.
- How being prepared before you see a doctor can speed up diagnosis and get you back on the job.
- Surprising truths about policy, prevention, and advocacy that every firefighter should know.
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Be kind, Rewind
If you remember VHS, it's time for a health check
Remember the days of rewinding tapes before dropping them back at the video store? If you do, it might be time for your colonoscopy.
Firefighters know the value of prevention—you wouldn’t skip checking your gear before a call. Cancer screenings are no different.
DetecTogether’s 3 Steps Detect roadmap helps you know:
- When you’re due for screenings (which catch about 14% of cancers).
- Spot the early warning signs that shouldn't be ignored.
- Take fast action to save your own life.
Cancer doesn’t wait—why should you? Get screened before anything fast-forwards.
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Thank You, Coghlin Companies
Grateful for Your Invite and Commitment to Early Detection and Well-being
A big thank you to Coghlin Companies for including DetecTogether in your annual Work Hard, Play Hard employee appreciation event at Polar Park in Worcester, MA!
Your support and care help us bring lifesaving early cancer detection directly into the community and to our firefighters. You’re equipping individuals and families with the tools to spot health changes early—when cancer is most treatable.
🙌 Thank you, Coghlin Companies, for your generosity and your commitment to employee wellbeing, first responders, and stepping up as true champions of early detection.
Together, we’re hitting cancer out of the park.
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William BrudiBladder Cancer SurvivorDiagnosed at 60
"I almost didn't go...but I did, and
it saved my life."
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Your cancer diagnosis experience can help others detect cancer early. Consider sharing it to raise awareness and save lives.
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