Our Team

As Russ’ surviving spouse and a psychotherapist, I know the stress of caring for a Firefighter loved one with cancer, the demands of parenting and running a household, and how hard it can be to ask for and accept help.

I’ve been a member of the fire service since I was 17 years old, and continue my father’s tradition by serving as a Firefighter/Paramedic. The Brotherhood was there for us and I am committed to paying it forward.

I continue my father’s tradition of service by having created the Girl Scout Honor Guard for Fallen Firefighters, being an officer in the IN National Guard, a former police officer and current paralegal.

My experiences as a Firefighter wife, a nurse, and friend of Russ’ family serve me well in this role as I support the Foundation’s efforts to help Firefighters battling cancer and their families and expand awareness of cancer prevention and education.

Now a retired Firefighter and Shift Commander, I bring experience with occupational health & safety in the fire service. Once a co-worker of Russ and still friend of his family, I bring a personal tie to those facing this fight.

I am a full time Firefighter/Paramedic with the Itasca Fire Protection Dist.  My husband David was a full time Public Safety Officer with Rosemont PSD and died at the age of 39 from sarcoma cancer. I am proud to be a  part of S23F and hope that through my personal experience I can help other FF’s and their families cope with this difficult time.

As a 45-year veteran of the fire service, I have witnessed the devastating impact of cancer both professionally and personally as a two-time cancer survivor. Those experiences have made the Foundation’s mission—and the support it provides to firefighters and their families throughout the cancer journey—deeply meaningful to me. Serving on the Foundation’s Board allows me to give back by supporting others as they face one of life’s most difficult challenges.

I am a full time Firefighter/Paramedic with the Itasca Fire Protection District. I am also an AFFI Honor Guard member. I aim to go above and beyond and support my brother and sisters in the fire service by any means and help those affected by cancer.

I am the Fire Chief for the McHenry Township Fire Protection District and also a cancer survivor.  Throughout my 43-year career, I have been involved in advocating for firefighter health and safety, and I am proud to be a part of S23F.