Fire Cancer Foundation

Chuck and Tiffany Brynteson created the foundation to help firefighters in the State of Minnesota that became diagnosed with cancer while in the line of duty. When Chuck was diagnosed in January of 2017, they found out firsthand, the hard times that this deadly disease brings. They wanted to help other firefighter's and their family through these hard times by easing some of the financial burden. If they could give a gift of money towards these families to be used towards expenses or even taking a trip together, this is what Chuck and Tiffany would do. Unfortunately Chuck lost his battle in April of 2018 and did not see the foundation started. Tiffany made a promise
to him that she would form the foundation and it was created June of 2018. The name The F.I.R.E. (Firefighter Inspired Endowment Recovery) Cancer Foundation was created by Chuck.

Everyone knows the danger that a firefighter faces during every call to action. Walking into a burning building, responding to a traffic accident, or any other call is dangerous in its own right. They know their job has risks that are without compare. 

Light is being shed on a new form of danger that firefighters are facing. Recent studies have shown that 68% of firefighters are plagued by cancer when compared to 22% of the population. The exact cause of this has not been confirmed. Some feel that this may be a result of the modern building
materials such as asbestos, carpet, glue, paints, and other substances that emit dangerous levels of carcinogens as they burn.

Firefighters are protected by their gear during a fire. Some feel that carcinogens are absorbed as they handle their gear before and after a fire. Special cleaning of gear is now recommended after each fire. However most fire departments do not have the special equipment needed to protect firefighters from the carcinogens. 

Fire departments are not prepared to provide the families of those who have already been affected. The F.I.R.E. Cancer Foundation would like to help families and give back with a grant to help them.