The Firehood Foundation Walkathon to Ground Zero

ABOUT US:

After losing Stephen Vanravenswaay and John Perez to cancer and an autoimmune disease related to firefighting, Tom “Bull” Hill, made a promise to bring about a change. On March 20th, 2018, Bull set out to “Keep Shakey’s Promise” for his 2 fallen friends and brothers, Shakey and JP. He started at the 0 Mile Marker in Key West, Florida and headed north, with the love and support of his dedicated team and brothers and sisters from Fire Departments across the state. He started the walk with one pack and 84 remembrances of friends and family lost to cancer and suicide.  Tom did not stop until he reached the steps of the Florida Capital on May 10th 2018.  This journey not only not only ignited the spirit of Brotherhood and Sisterhood in the fire service but it brought the necessary attention and awareness to the state legislators for the need of a Presumptive Cancer Bill,  which was passed unanimously in both the Florida House, as well as, the Florida Senate and became law July 1st 2019.  Following the walk, Tom founded his nonprofit, The Firehood Foundation which initially focused on supporting firefighters and their families who are dealing with occupational cancer but quickly expanded to help those suffering from PTSD, as well as heart, and lung disease.

EVENT DETAILS:

On August 22, 2021 after The Guardian Ceremony, Bull, accompanied by Ted Depalo (retired firefighter from Milford, Massachusetts), Edzo Kelly (President of IAFF), Sean Holcomb (country musician), and volunteers will embark on an emotional journey from the Boston area and arrive at Ground Zero on September 11th. The group will be stopping at multiple fire stations along the way where fellowship will take place. During this intimate time, Bull will be counseling with current firefighters, families of fallen firefighters, police, and even military.

This will be the fourth long distance walk organized by Bull since 2018. Since this time, Bull has met many of those in need! 40 firefighters have been able to receive life saving treatment and widows and families of fallen firefighters were able to seek the proper counseling needed to deal with the loss of their loved one.

Your pledge for this walk will help support our fallen brothers and sisters.  Every dollar counts.  Pledge money will be used to help support the families of those who are struggling with a life loss or a potential life loss due to mental or physical illness.  We use these dedicated resources to provide those in need with the LIFE LINE that they provided others in their career as a First Responder.

God Bless our First Responders.  While others run away from danger we run towards it.  That is why The Firehood Foundation was started.   Sometimes our Hero’s need help.  That is what we are here for.

On behalf of each and every fallen first responder we say “Thank You” !