Robby Brannon spent 25 years doing what gave him purpose in life…firefighting. His life was cut short by a risk of his passion that has only come to light in recent years and remains widely unknown and still in very early stages of research. Shortly after his 44th birthday Robby was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma. It was at this point that he, and those who loved him, learned the severity of the cancer risk associated with firefighting. During his short, but hard fight against cancer he often spoke of his concern for volunteer firefighters because they lack resources such as medical insurance, training and equipment. While Robby’s body ached in pain and personal fears were mounting, he was still more concerned about the safety of others. As Robby’s 45th birthday nears on May 26th his family would like to offer the opportunity to anyone that so chooses to join us in providing what we intend to be an annual gift of preventative care products through BrothersHelpingBrothers in Robby’s honor to a volunteer fire department that was very dear to him, Durbin Creek Fire and Rescue. We will continue our efforts to raise awareness, fight for protective legislation, ask for increased municipality funding, and push for research for ALL firefighters, but this particular fund will always remain an annual birthday gift to those Robby held dear…”station 14er at heart.”
Robby Brannon Fund
For all active firefighters, we hope that you go to #thisismyfight (SC Fire Fighters Association initiative) to learn more about your risk and the preventative measures you can take. For those that may have interest in assisting fire departments on a broader scale, please donate to the main Brothers Helping Brothers fundraisers. For departments that have prevailed in obtaining additional preventative funds, please look to Responder Wipes directly for supplies.
Our brave men and women in fire service rush to save our families, pets, homes, fields from fires; rescue us from the wreckage of car accidents; jump in raging flood waters to pull us to safety; and are typically first responders to our medical emergencies…take a moment to help them, even if it’s just to learn the risks they take for us so we gladly allow our legislators to increase fire department budgets.