Our Story
Shield 23 Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) was formed in March 2018 by family and friends in memory of 20-year Gurnee (Illinois) Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic and AFFI Honor Guard Member Russell S. Constantino who passed away on November 9, 2009 at age 46 from job related brain cancer.
Russ’ surviving spouse Shenan shares the story of the man who inspired the Foundation in the touching video below courtesy of sponsor Mission BBQ.
— Did
you know?
of career firefighter deaths
Cancer has caused 61% of career firefighter line-of-duty deaths since 2002.
(IAFF data 1.1.2002 to 3.31.2017)higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer
Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population.
(Firefighter Cancer Support Network/NIOSH study results)— how
we help
Financial Assistance
The Foundation serves to honor the legacy of Russ by defraying the costs of treatment and care for firefighters battling cancer and the families standing by their side.
Peer Support
Is one of your fellow brother or sister firefighters battling cancer? Are you the loved one or friend of a firefighter with cancer?
Increase Awareness
Shield 23 Foundation aims to increase public awareness of the impact of job-related cancer in the fire service and encourage education and cancer risk prevention practices within the fire service.
you can help
Your support grants us the ability to continue our Mission of supporting firefighters battling cancer and the families standing by their side. Help alleviate the financial stressors incurred, lessen worries about bills, ease limits and changes to daily life, and strengthen the focus of the family on caring for their firefighter.