WHAT IS CODE 3 FOR A CURE?
Code 3 for a Cure Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 public charity approved as such by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on September 11, 2008. It is run by a President/Founder, Secretary/Treasurer/Cofounder, and Board of Directors who meet at least quarterly to establish policy and set the direction of the Foundation.
The Foundation has a three-fold purpose: (1) provide financial assistance to firefighters stricken with cancer who are facing a financial hardship; (2) support active and retired firefighters diagnosed with cancer, and help minimize the effects of cancer among firefighters, by giving encouragement and sharing our experiences. This is achieved, in part, through the Annual Mission of Honor and Hope; and (3) provide financial support to select other nonprofit cancer organizations.
Like most worthy causes, Code 3 for a Cure was formed because of one person's struggles. President and Founder Lorenzo Abundiz (Firefighter/Engineer, Santa Ana, California, USA), a 27-year veteran of the fire service, was first diagnosed with cancer in 1998, forced into an early medical disability retirement in 2001, and since then has been diagnosed with two other cancers.
So what's the meaning behind the term "Code 3?" The term is used to refer to an emergency vehicle going to the highest level of response in an emergency situation, when lights and sirens are utilized. Its meaning in the context of this organization is, let's move to the highest level of response to help cure the effects of cancer by helping one group who, statisically, are one of the most heavily afflicted by the disease.