“Our new Firefighter Cancer Collaborative, is the focus on it being truly a collaborative. And not just a program that is one direction, but is bi directional. To make sure that your employees and the members of your team are not only educated, but aware of what they can do to care for themselves and their loved ones.” –says Kelly Batista Executive Director of the Jellison Cancer Institute
“When a firefighter joined the fire department, we knew it was a dangerous job. What we didn’t know was that over a period of years, the cumulative effect, what it would cause on our bodies we’re just learning. There’s all forms and types of cancer that are out there. Even with the personal protective gear that we have, it’s still a chance for us to have that chemical absorption in our system.” – says Paul Dezzi, Longboat Key Fire Department Chief
“You guys are going out there doing your job and trying to help people and save lives and save buildings. But he shouldn’t be put at undue risk because of things you’re exposed to.” – says Dr. Richard Brown, Medical Director, Jellison Cancer Institute
“So when a firefighter has a questionable, um, scan or questionable test that they have. it’s important for us to make sure that, um, our firefighters are, all firefighters, are doing a follow up care to their, their physician.” – says Dezzi
“Many times a suspicious finding or a diagnosis, it’s very scary for the individual or their family members or their caregivers. And understanding that they have someone who understands what they’re going through, who is very educated in the next step. steps that are available to them and knows the right members of the care team to go to to make sure they have a seamless process through their care is of utmost importance.” – says Batista
“And that’s where navigation comes in play, and that’s where making sure that we can provide the best possible care in terms of having the experts at the Cancer Institute available for you.” – says Dr. Brown