Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Fire Up A Cure Firefighter Competition Pays For Pediatric Cancer Trials

By Howard Ludwig | July 1, 2016 6:12am | Updated on July 1, 2016 11:38am
 Ava Perakis, 3, is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She is one of the children who Dr. Jason Canner is hoping to cure through his foundation that hosts the Fire Up A Cure fundraiser at Saint Xavier University.
Ava Perakis, 3, is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She is one of the children who Dr. Jason Canner is hoping to cure through his foundation that hosts the Fire Up A Cure fundraiser at Saint Xavier University.
View Full Caption
DNAinfo/Supplied Photos

MOUNT GREENWOOD — Teams of firefighters will find out who's best at breaking down doors, eating hot wings and pulling fire trucks as part of the Fire Up A Cure fundraiser.

The fifth-annual event raises money for pediatric cancer clinical trials and takes place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 30 at Saint Xavier University in Mount Greenwood. The event raised $55,000 last year and aims to raise $75,000 in 2016, according to school officials.

While the bulk of the money goes toward research, some of the money is used to pay for young adults who were stricken with cancer as children and are seeking careers as first responders. Another small percentage is directed at perks for kids in treatment.

 Teams of firefighters will compete in breaking down doors, eating hot wings, pulling fire trucks and other challenges as part of the FIre Up A Cure event July 30 at Saint Xavier University.
Teams of firefighters will compete in breaking down doors, eating hot wings, pulling fire trucks and other challenges as part of the FIre Up A Cure event July 30 at Saint Xavier University.
View Full Caption
DNAinfo/Supplied Photo

Some 30 teams of firefighters will compete in the fundraiser that also includes an obstacle course, tug of war, jousting and more. Children who are either fighting cancer or have survived the deadly disease will cheer on the participants and serve as honorary coaches.

"What makes this event special is that the kids will always be the core of the team," said Dr. Jason Canner, who founded the Cure It Foundation in November 2011.

The nonprofit organization raises money through the event with the goal of beating the cancer like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia that 3-year-old Ava Perakis is currently battling.

Ava was diagnosed with the disease last May. Her hair has fallen out as a result of ongoing chemotherapy treatments. The regiment includes treatments three times a week and will span a total of 2½ years, according to information provided by the university.

Ruben Correa, 19, of East Side was diagnosed with a similar form of leukemia in 2010. A bad reaction to antibiotics caused his kidneys to fail during treatment.

Still, the teen persevered, only to see his cancer return after a 2-year remission in 2015. He endured a second round of chemotherapy and graduated with his high school class.

The firefighters compete to honor the battles fought by of Ruben and Ava, but the event also includes other family-friendly activities. Irish dancers will be there to entertain the crowd. There will also be a kids' fire pole to slide down, real fire trucks for children to explore, face painting, arts and crafts, a reptile show and a magician.

New this year will be arrival of the 501st Legion Midwest Garrison. This traveling group of "Star Wars" fans dress in movie-quality costumes that include Stormtroopers, bounty hunters and other favorite characters from the popular films.

Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe will also be on hand serving food along with Beverly's Original Rainbow Cone.

For more information, visit the Fire Up A Cure website.

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: