Firefighters chip in for PET scan

Proceeds from the 2013 Sudbury Firefighter Calendar will go to benefit the Sam Bruno PET Scan Fund.

Cindy Popowich, the creative co-ordinator of the calendar, said the decision to support the fund was an easy one to make.

“Trevor Fera, the organizer of the firefighter calendar, and I sat down and discussed the charity options,” she said, in a press release.

“We did some research and the charity seemed like the perfect fit for us. Trevor, a full-time firefighter, knows of the high occurrence of cancers in firefighters, and his co-worker, my husband Tyler Popowich had just been through the cancer fight himself.

“Having this scanner would save so many lives in our community and beyond. We feel very happy about our decision, and are looking forward to working with the group in the coming months.”

A PET Scanner (or Positron Emission Tomography Scanners) is a diagnostic tool used in clinical oncology, cardiology and other medical settings, the press release said. The late Sam Bruno was a strong advocate of their use.

Cheryl Bruno, Sam Bruno’s widow, said she's delighted to have the firefighters' support.

“The Sudbury Firefighters Calendar has successfully contributed to many local fundraising efforts, and the Sam Bruno PET steering committee is honoured to have been chosen as the recipients of the 2013 campaign.”

Proceeds from the 2011 calendar went to the Northern Cancer Foundation's chemotherapy equipment fund.

The 2013 Sudbury Firefighter Calendar will officially launch in late 2012 and be available for purchase at participating locations throughout the city.

Posted by Arron Pickard