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Kelowna firefighters hold fundraiser for colleague with Stage 4 cancer
Firefighters from the Kelowna and Vernon fire departments shaved their heads on Sunday, Nov. 8, to raise funds for their colleague, Stefon Marshall. Marshall was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer earlier this year.
The event, held at the Kelowna Fire Station, saw approximately 60 department members participate. Organizers stated that the funds raised will assist Marshall with medical expenses not covered by insurance and provide financial relief for his family. A GoFundMe campaign for Marshall has raised over $43,000, with a goal of reaching $45,000.
Torren Freeman, a Kelowna firefighter who helped organize the event, noted that Marshall’s diagnosis has prompted a culture change within the department regarding medical testing. The incident highlights broader concerns regarding occupational hazards, as Canadian government data indicates firefighters are roughly nine per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 14 per cent more likely to die from the disease than the general population.
Entities
Kelowna · Kelowna Fire Department · Stefon Marshall · Torren Freeman · Vernon Fire Department
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Firefighters are approximately 14 percent more likely to die from cancer. peacearchnews.com · saanichnews.com · westerlynews.ca · burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com · northernsentinel.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Stefon Marshall has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. peacearchnews.com · saanichnews.com · westerlynews.ca · burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com · northernsentinel.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Organizers are aiming to raise $45,000. peacearchnews.com · saanichnews.com · westerlynews.ca · burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com · northernsentinel.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Firefighters are approximately 9 percent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer. peacearchnews.com · saanichnews.com · westerlynews.ca · burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com · northernsentinel.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Approximately 60 firefighters participated in the head-shaving event. peacearchnews.com · saanichnews.com · westerlynews.ca · burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com · northernsentinel.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] A GoFundMe campaign for Marshall has raised over $43,000. peacearchnews.com · saanichnews.com · westerlynews.ca · burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com · northernsentinel.com · +1 more