Critical Illness Program supports firefighters diagnosed with cancer

A major health diagnosis, especially cancer, can be a lot to process. There are likely medications, hospital stays or ongoing doctor appointments to manage. This can mean a disruption of daily routines and usually a halt in work schedules. Plus, it’s mentally taxing on everyone – the individual, family members, friends and loved ones included. Oftentimes, stressing over the dreaded question of, “How am I going to pay for all this?” can take precious energy away from the healing process.

Recognizing June is National Cancer Survivor Month, we want to make sure all firefighters who face a cancer diagnosis have the resources available to focus on beating their illness and putting it behind them. The MnFIRE Critical Illness Program through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP) can help by keeping the financial stress of a critical illness diagnosis at bay. All active firefighters are automatically enrolled in this insurance policy, which covers diagnoses of cancer, cardiac, COVID-19 and other critical illnesses, and provides a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 to assist with expenses. This is all at no cost to the firefighters. That’s right – it’s free.

Christian Worby, a 42-year-old firefighter for the Coon Rapids Fire Department, is currently battling multiple myeloma. His treatment plan includes chemotherapy along with a six-week hospital stay for a stem cell transplant. Not only is Worby and his family maxing out their insurance deductible, but they also have to pay for gas and accommodations for all the treatment travel. Plus, Worby has had to take time off from work, meaning a smaller paycheck.

“It’s great having the extra financial support,” Christian said. “It’s an extra safety net. It’s an expensive deal having a major illness.”

This National Cancer Survivor Month, we honor those firefighters who were taken from us too soon from this disease, and celebrate those who have survived or are currently battling cancer. And we’re thankful to be able to offer this resource to make that battle a little easier.

Take some of the financial stress off your plate by submitting a claim for your cancer or critical illness diagnosis. For more information or to file a claim, visit MnFIRE’s website or call 888-784-6634.

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Our Miles for MnFIRE walkers have completed 94 miles of the 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul -- and they are still smiling!

Here's an on-the-road update from Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode as they reflect on crossing the halfway point, a major milestone on day five of their nine-day journey.

Read the full recap on our blog: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-5/
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It's day five of Miles for MnFIRE, and there's still time to contribute!

🔴 Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar before Sept. 21. That means that if you give now, your impact will be doubled!

🔴 Those who donate $200 or more will receive a special Miles for MnFIRE hat – check out Doug and Kyle rocking their hats below!

Your donations are thoroughly appreciated not only by the walkers, but also by firefighters and their families across the state who receive assistance from MnFIRE year-round. Thank you for your support! mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
... See MoreSee Less

Its day five of Miles for MnFIRE, and theres still time to contribute!

🔴 Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar before Sept. 21. That means that if you give now, your impact will be doubled!

🔴 Those who donate $200 or more will receive a special Miles for MnFIRE hat – check out Doug and Kyle rocking their hats below!

Your donations are thoroughly appreciated not only by the walkers, but also by firefighters and their families across the state who receive assistance from MnFIRE year-round. Thank you for your support! https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/

It was a hot day, but Minnesota firefighters and Miles for MnFIRE walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed 18 miles on their more than 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul.

Here are a few photos from day four, which included a visit to Finlayson Elementary. The smiles and cheers from these kids were exactly what our walkers needed to lift their spirits!

Wednesday, Sept. 17, is the biggest day of the walk, covering more than 25 miles between Groningen and Pine City. Let's go!

Read more day 4 highlights here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-4/
... See MoreSee Less

It was a hot day, but Minnesota firefighters and Miles for MnFIRE walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed 18 miles on their more than 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul. 

Here are a few photos from day four, which included a visit to Finlayson Elementary. The smiles and cheers from these kids were exactly what our walkers needed to lift their spirits! 

Wednesday, Sept. 17, is the biggest day of the walk, covering more than 25 miles between Groningen and Pine City. Lets go! 

Read more day 4 highlights here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-4/Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment
1 day ago

Firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul this week to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Follow along on their journey and support MnFIRE at mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.
... See MoreSee Less

Firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul this week to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Follow along on their journey and support MnFIRE at https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.
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