Carney Strong Mugs - Fundraiser
We’re proud to be teamed up with FireMom.com to help us fight against firefighter cancer! Battalion Chief Josh Carney lost his life at just 41 years old, only 4 months after learning that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma Cancer in 2017. To continue Josh’s legacy, his family has made it their mission to raise awareness of firefighter occupational cancer and assist other firefighters in getting the resources they need.
You can help by purchasing a Carney Strong Initiative Mug. 100% of its proceeds will go to Carney Strong Initiative, which will directly impact the amount of decontamination supplies we are able to supply to firefighters in the field.
Each mug is handcrafted in America. Plenty of room for your favorite beverage with 16 ounce capacity. Dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe. Pre-Order Online only until January 31st, 2020.
Get yours now at FireMom.com/CarneyStrong.
Thoughts From a Firefighter Widow
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41 years, 7 months, and 21 days on earth. That is how long Josh was alive for. Lucky for me, I was a part of his life for 24 years and 12 days. But our daughter Shayla, well she got robbed with only 16 years, 10 months, and 25 days with her dad. That is the reality of firefighter cancer. We didn't catch his cancer early. By the time he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma (malignant), it had already spread throughout his body with a vengeance. Cancer has stolen so much from us, this is a story I wish upon no one.
Thankfully though, not all firefighter cancer stories take the same path as ours. So often you hear about the firefighters who kicked cancer to the curb and are back on shift, or who are enjoying retirement. I like those stories, even if they aren't mine. Of course, I will not lie, I wish every day our family cancer story had a different ending. But that is not the reality we live in, is it. I have never been the type of person to sit in silence with something that weighs me down. I believe, actually I know, that is one of the reasons why Josh fell in love with me so long ago. I am not one to just take the waves without punching back. I couldn't stop his cancer, I couldn't save us from this tragedy. But I can do something for others. I can and I will speak up. I will advocate prevention.
The Carney Strong Initiative isn’t just helping fire departments throughout the country with their cancer prevention methods. It isn’t just about healing my broken heart. Each widow grieves differently. Each family, each department, each brother grieves in their own way. And I have learned that with a simple act of kindness, to give back to someone you don’t know, well that helps with the healing for everyone. And if we are able to prevent this tragedy from happening to any other fire family, well that is the greatest gift of all.
This past October 19th, was the 2 year anniversary of Josh's death. With the support and generosity of so many, Carney Strong was able to stop by 30 fire departments across the country to make small donations of Responder Wipes and educational material to help improve cancer prevention methods within the departments. It fills my heart with such joy to see others help us spread the message, and further our mission to ensure Everyone Goes Home.
Click Here to learn more about Decon Day 2019.
