Neighbors United, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a group volunteers with a goal to make a difference in the lives of families in need, one at a time. Our mission is to be the greatest organization, going to the greatest lengths to take care of those in the greatest profession who make the greatest sacrifice.
Our largest focus is the #walkfortheRED. In 2019, Joe Warne, a firefighter from Macomb Township, MI and President of Neighbors United had his passion ignited to help those in his own profession. He kept hearing of brothers and sisters that were fighting their cancer and after research, learned that occupational cancer was now the leading cause of death for firefighters according to the International Association of Firefighters. That year in June, #walkfortheRED was born.
After Neighbors United’s first walk, Warne decided to make it an annual effort upon learning of his own Captain’s cancer diagnosis.
In addition to learning that devastating news and reflecting on the impact of the fundraiser in 2019, Warne recalls delivering checks to firefighters and meeting a 35-year veteran firefighter “that had no heat or stove” as well as another firefighter “that could not afford gas to get to his chemo treatments”. This is something that fellow brothers and sisters will never tell one another as their focus is helping others and was not something that he would overlook.
Joining Warne at various points along the journey each year is, members of the Neighbors United team, fellow firefighters, and community volunteers. Warne vividly remembers a woman living in a much older home, raising her grandchildren, who came outside and gave $20 to the teams’ efforts. Moments like that give Warne hope that people will come together year after year to give to those who wear the uniform, despite known health risks.
From 2019 through 2023, Neighbors United has met nearly 150 firefighting families affected by cancer and has given away over $500,000 to these fighters. This list grows regularly, and we have a goal of raising enough money to give each firefighter and their family $5,000 at an annual gala.
While most do not know, studies have shown that firefighters are up to 25% more likely to contract cancer than any other profession. New home materials are made of mostly plastic and engineered lumber and when these materials burn, it puts carcinogens in the air that are absorbed into the body.
Our firefighters are everything that exemplifies the beautiful phrase “…Home Of The Brave!” Every day across America, brave men and women who are giving all of their lives to this service, are being diagnosed with this ruthless disease. Cancer doesn’t just attack the individual, cancer devastates families, friends, and colleagues. We ask you to please support and stand with these firefighters who have selflessly given so much to their communities. If you can, please donate to Neighbors United to help provide support to these heroes. Together we can make a difference and Neighbors United is on a mission to help all those affected in the fire service by cancer.
