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Kelowna Firefighters Shave Heads to Support Cancer-Stricken Colleague
About 60 firefighters joined the head-shaving fundraiser, and more than $43,000 has been raised to help cover Marshall’s medical costs.
- On Sunday, Nov. 8, around 60 firefighters from Kelowna and Vernon shaved their heads at the Kelowna Fire Station to support colleague Stefon Marshall, diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer earlier this year.
- Torren Freeman, a firefighter with the City of Kelowna, organized the event to help Marshall pay for medical expenses not covered by insurance and provide financial relief to his family.
- Over $43,000 has been raised through an online campaign, while organizers are targeting $45,000. Canadian data indicates firefighters face 14 per cent higher mortality rates from cancer than the average person.
- Since Marshall's diagnosis, the Kelowna Fire Department has experienced a cultural shift toward proactive medical testing. Around three quarters of the department received scans, uncovering some stage 1 cancer cases.
- Freeman noted that toxic polyplastics in modern homes contribute significantly to cancer risks for firefighters. This has created a "groundswell of firefighter wellness," encouraging staff to pursue early screenings and protect long-term health.
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left11Leaning Right0Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Left
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources lean Left
100% Left
L 100%
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