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.

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$125 per person EARLY BIRD SPECIAL till August 1st.
$175 per person starting August 1st
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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
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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:

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

September 27-29, 2025

Health & Wellness Symposium

Sunday, September 28th, 2025

Monday, September 29th, 2025