There is a men’s health crisis. Men are dying from preventable and treatable cancers – prostate, kidney, testicular, and colon. Problem is, men think they are invincible – thinking they can tough it out, rub some dirt on it. But a simple annual physical with appropriate blood work can detect and even prevent these cancers. Firefighters are typically given an annual physical that includes an x-ray for the chest. Following his diagnosis, Brent’s desire was to challenge his peers to get checked down low. From those desires, the Foundation has developed the 525 Challenge (Brent’s badge number was 525).

The 525 Challenge – Get Good Under the Hood! – is:

• ·         See the Doc – see your physician annually for a physical.

• ·         Check Your Blood - include lab work with your physical.

• ·         Screen for Cancer - get age appropriate screenings for men’s cancers.

Firefighters love to challenge each other. The intention of the 525 Challenge is to focus that energy into something positive and lifesaving. Through the challenge, the 2017 goals are to:

• ·        Help 100 Firefighters get an annual physical including blood work to screen for cancer.
• ·        Recognize 5 shifts, 3 stations and 1 department for being 100% on the #525Challenge.
• ·        Provide #525Briefing on Annual Physical, Health Insurance Coverage, and Cancer Detection to 5 ESD Fire Chiefs. ESDs are Emergency Service Districts, typically serving rural and undeveloped areas, though most counties targeted border significant metropolitan areas such as San Antonio and Austin.
• ·        Provide financial assistance to assist with co-pays for annual physicals that include a cancer screening.
• Provide financial assistance to 20 firefighter families battling cancer of all types.