Cindy Ell
President and Founder, Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation
Cindy Ell is a retired firefighter/Critical Care Paramedic originally from Anne Arundel County MD, with a background in emergency communications, critical care and labor advocacy. After a cancer cluster occurred among the firefighters she served with in Maryland, Cindy began researching and tracking firefighter cancer in 1990. As a result of her findings, The Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation was launched in 2004.
Unfortunately, Cindy did not miss the bullet. Cancer struck her as well in 2005; she was reminded of the importance of a strong support system and the value of an organization providing timely resources and guidance. As men and women in areas of firefighting have a tendency to isolate themselves when they become ill, she set out to change that mindset and bring people together. Her early efforts resulted in a strong collaboration of peers who provide their stricken member with anything from teaching advocacy, tangible resources, trips to doctor’s offices, behavioral support to the family and more.
Since that time, the work of Cindy and the dedicated members of the FFCF has led to establishment of a multitude of programs, resources and research that have impacted the lives of firefighters and family members around the world.
Recognized for her ability to break down barriers associated with firefighter cancer, Cindy is a much sought-after keynote speaker and has participated in many national forums, summits and conferences, creating awareness and advocacy for the firefighter community. In 2014, she was presented with the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award for her outstanding work during the San Francisco – Los Angeles Firefighter Cancer Awareness Ride surrounded by firefighters from all over the United States.
Presently, the organization continues its work to extinguish cancer in firefighters throughout the world. Functioning as a “Consumer affairs” resource for fact-checking industry products and processes, The FFCF continues to build momentum and awareness across science, medicine and academia with a focus on #TechSavesLives.
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