September 27-29, 2025
Health & Wellness Symposium

Firefighter Cancer Support Network
Health & Wellness Symposium
You Fight Fire. We Fight Cancer
Presented by Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
Saturday, September 27th thru Monday, September 29th
FCSN is launching a groundbreaking 2.5-day program focused on cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection tailored specifically for firefighters.
FCSN is launching a groundbreaking 2.5-day program focused on cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection, tailored specifically for firefighters. Please share this with everyone you know in the firefighting and emergency medical services community. For more information and to register, visit the link below.
$125 per person EARLY BIRD SPECIAL till August 1st.
$175 per person starting August 1st
Available Screenings:
- Skin Cancer Screening
- Lucid Eso Guard Esophageal Cancer Screening
- United Diagnostic Service
Location: DoubleTree - San Bernardino
285 E Hospitality Ln
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Included Meals & Refreshments
Saturday: Lunch, afternoon break, and evening social hour
Sunday: Breakfast, lunch, scheduled breaks, and evening social hour
Monday: Breakfast, morning break, and lunch
Expert-Led Sessions You Won’t Want to Miss
We’re proud to present a powerful lineup of sessions led by leaders in the fire service, healthcare, and research communities:
Sunday, September 28th, 2025
Doing It Right: Taking Action to Reduce Cancer in the Fire Service
Russ Osgood & Scott Jennie
8:45 – 10:15 a.m.
This comprehensive training session empowers firefighters and fire service professionals with the essential knowledge, strategies, and habits to reduce their risk of occupational cancer. Participants will explore current research, understand occupational exposures, and learn scientifically supported prevention and early detection methods. Emphasizing a holistic approach—including lifestyle modifications, awareness, and accountability—this class aims to foster proactive behaviors that safeguard firefighters’ long-term health and survivorship.
Leadership Guide to Supporting Firefighters with Cancer
Joe Schumacher & Steve Weissman
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
This course prepares fire service leaders and supervisors to respond effectively and compassionately when a team member is diagnosed with cancer. It covers communication strategies, organizational support, and navigating emotional, legal, and financial considerations. The goal is to equip leaders with the tools to foster a supportive environment that promotes recovery, well-being, and dignity for affected personnel.
PTSD - Methods for Prevention and Healing
Dr. Zara Ashikyan
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
This session introduces the fundamentals of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including symptom recognition, prevention strategies, and healing methods. Special focus is placed on understanding how untreated PTSD can compromise immune function and influence the development and treatment of other diseases such as cancer. Attendees will learn practical approaches to prevent PTSD and support recovery.
How to Navigate Workers' Compensation and Disability Retirement with a Cancer Diagnosis
Ben Helquist
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
This presentation offers guidance on navigating legal and administrative processes related to workers’ compensation and disability retirement for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. While emphasizing California law, it also provides comparisons with other jurisdictions and discusses cancer presumptive legislation nationwide, helping attendees understand benefits, rights, and procedural steps.
Hot off the Presses: Updates on Firefighter Health Research
Dr. Sara Jahnke
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This dynamic session delivers the latest findings in firefighter health research, emphasizing cancer risk, prevention strategies, and emerging exposure data. Attendees will gain insights into current best practices, screening advancements, and other critical health concerns such as cardiovascular health and reproductive wellness, providing a comprehensive overview of firefighter health challenges.
Evening Social
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Join us during the evening social for networking, catching up with peers, and a special comedy show with Adam Ferrara.
Adam Ferrara, Actor/Comedian/Host, who Entertainment Weekly dubbed “Hilarious.” For six seasons, Adam co-hosted the critically acclaimed BBC sensation, Top Gear US. He proudly played Chief Needles Nelson on the Emmy-nominated FX drama Rescue Me. Adam co-starred with Emmy Award winner Edie Falco on Showtime’s hit series Nurse Jackie. He has also co-starred alongside Kevin James in the hit movie Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Definitely Maybe with Ryan Reynolds.
Adam also starred in the CBS show Why Women Kill with Ginnifer Goodwin, Lucy Liu, and an all-star cast. Also in the Indie movie Little Italy, currently streaming on Amazon, alongside Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen. His podcast, The Adam Ferrara Podcast, is a breakout hit, considered a “must listen” by Hidden Remote.
Some of Ferrara’s other TV credits include CBS’s The Good Fight, Criminal Minds, Kevin Can Wait, The King of Queens, NBC’s Law & Order, along with countless late night show appearances. Adam is also one of the top touring comedians in country. Over the years, he has released 5 specials and 6 albums. His new comedy album, It’s Scary in Here, debuted at number one on iTunes, while his album Unconditional, was Interrobang’s People’s Choice of Album of the Year.
Monday, September 29th, 2025
Survivorship & Survivor Panel
William Baker, Scott Jennie, Kyle O’Neill, Debbie Pike, Steve Shapiro, & Travis Young
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
This interactive panel features firefighters and experts sharing real-life experiences of dealing with cancer diagnoses and FCSN Survivorship. Attendees will have opportunities to ask questions about diagnosis, treatment, return-to-work processes, legal considerations, and survivorship strategies, gaining practical insights from those who have navigated similar challenges.
Fire Cancer Cohort Study
Dr. Jeff Burgess & John Gulotta
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Implementing Your Own Cancer and Health Coordinator Position
David Hunt & Kyle O’Neill
11:00 a.m. - Noon
This session guides fire departments in establishing a dedicated Cancer and Health Coordinator role within their Health and Safety programs. Attendees will learn how to develop, implement, and sustain effective initiatives focused on cancer prevention, early detection, and overall health promotion, emphasizing the importance of leadership in addressing the occupational health crisis.
What Should Be On Your Radar
Kepra Jack
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
This interactive discussion focuses on key health risks facing firefighters and how to implement behavioral and operational changes to mitigate injuries and long-term health issues. Attendees will explore current risk factors and develop strategies to foster a culture of safety and wellness that supports firefighters’ health into retirement.
Closing Ceremony
12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
A ceremonial conclusion to celebrate the commitment to firefighter health and safety, acknowledge participants’ engagement, and reinforce the importance of ongoing efforts to reduce cancer and other health risks in the fire service.
Leadership and a Cancer Diagnosis
Joe Schumacher & Steve Weissman
PTSD: Methods for Prevention and Health
Zara Ashikyan
Navigating Worker’s Comp with a Cancer Diagnosis
Ben Helquist
Latest Cancer Research Updates
Dr. Sara Jahnke
Fire Cancer Cohort Study: New Insights
Dr. Jeff Burgess & John Gulotta
Cancer Survivorship: Real Stories and Strategies
Debbie Pike & Scott Jennie
The Role of the Health & Safety Officer
Kyle O’Neill & David Hunt
What Should Be On Your Radar
Kepra Jack

Special Guest:
Adam Ferrara
Actor/Comedian/Host
Adam Ferrara is an American actor and comedian known for playing the role of Chief "Needles" Nelson on the FX series Rescue Me.

For more information, contact Scott Jennie, California State Director/National State Director - FCSN at sjennie@fcsn.net