The crew of “Code 3 For A Cure” made a stop in Rolla Wednesday morning on their way from Los Angeles to New York City and back again, stopping along the way at various fire departments to collect the names of fallen firefighters (both active and retired) who have lost their lives due to cancer.

The Rolla Fire Department passed on the name Russ Miers, who served as a Capt., and was a 30-year veteran, so that he could be remembered when all the names are read at Times Square. A fire bell mounted on the fire engine will ring out once for each name called. Miers passed away in 2000 from cancer.

By honoring their comrades across the nation who have passed away from cancer, the firefighters hope to bring awareness to how widespread cancer is, and among firefighters in particular.

The crew left on their four-week cross-country tour on Friday, June 13 and plan to return on Sunday, July 13. They intentionally left on Friday the 13th as a symbol of leaving on a day that is known for tragedy and bad luck, and are planning their return for July 13 as a symbol of hope and good fortune.

  The Sutphen Corp. based in Columbus, Ohio provided a brand-new 2008 fire pumper, including $8-$9,000 in fuel, for the Code 3 For A Cure journey across the U.S.
  Code 3 For A Cure is supported by the Los Angeles Fire Department and involves the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society and National Fallen Firefighter Foundation in their outreach efforts.

  Larenzo also mentioned  “Code 3 For A Cure” is receiving celebrity support from William Shatner, Celine Deon, Richard Thomas, Anthony Robbins, Lou Diamond Phillips and others. 

Larenzo met Shatner when he was a featured guest on “Rescue 911,” which Shatner was narrating.

By honoring their comrades across the nation who have passed away from cancer, the firefighters hope to bring awareness of how widespread cancer is, among firefighters in particular.

Their ultimate goal is to find a cure for all cancers so that no one has to suffer from the agony of this disease and the grief it leaves behind.

  The firefighters will encourage donations to the non-profit organizations that relentlessly wage the war against cancer day after day.  They will do so by posting contact information for the non-profit organizations on the sides of the fire apparatus for all to see as they make their way across the United States.

They are asking people across the country who see them on the road to make a donation directly to a non-profit organization of their choice, or make a donation directly to any of the non-profits through their Web site, on the Non-Profits page.

“Code 3 For A Cure” was founded by Lorenzo Abundiz, who was forced to retire from the Santa Ana Fire Department because of cancer and other medical conditions related to his firefighting career.

 Lorenzo has battled two types of cancer over the past ten years. The first was a high grade leiomyosarcoma and the second was bladder cancer. He was diagnosed with the second cancer just one month after he had been declared cured from the sarcoma, after a five-year window. This year marks the end of Lorenzo’s ten-year battle with cancer, that began in 1998. It was Lorenzo’s own battle that impelled him to begin this mission.

For more information visit their Web site at www.code3foracure.com