Boston Fire
Cancer Foundation
your battle is our battle
2025 Boston Marathon
APPLICATION WINDOW IS NOW OPEN!
About
The Boston Fire Cancer Foundation is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization that raises money to support members of the Boston Fire Department who are diagnosed with occupational cancer. We provide both emotional and financial support to firefighters and their families.
Through fundraising efforts, we hope to provide services to firefighters and families as needed. Our goal is to eliminate the daily stressors that come with a cancer diagnosis and provide supports to firefighters and their families through mentorships, financial supports, transportation, meal plans, and more.
Through fundraising efforts, we hope to provide services to firefighters and families as needed. Our goal is to eliminate the daily stressors that come with a cancer diagnosis and provide supports to firefighters and their families through mentorships, financial supports, transportation, meal plans, and more.
How we got started
Dan Ranahan, the founder of the Boston Fire Cancer Foundation, was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in the Fall of 2020.
The support received from members of the Boston Fire Department, family, and friends was profound.
Dan was inspired to create an organization that provides the same experience for all members diagnosed with cancer.
Events
DONATION SHOUT-OUT!
Shout-out to The Naples Beanpot Golf Tournament 2024 for their generous donation and a big Congratulations to Mike Lynch and Jimmy McInnis on their big win!
Donate
Please consider donating to the Boston Fire Cancer Foundation!
Checks payable to:
Boston Fire Cancer Foundation.
ATTN: Dan Ranahan
55 Hallet Street
Dorchester, MA 02122
Venmo Business Account: @BostonFFCancerFnd
TAX ID NUMBER: 87-1027872
**If you are making a donation in honor of a loved one, please send a message through our site contact page with your name, address, and who you are donating in honor of so that we can acknowledge your donation. Thank you!**
Checks payable to:
Boston Fire Cancer Foundation.
ATTN: Dan Ranahan
55 Hallet Street
Dorchester, MA 02122
Venmo Business Account: @BostonFFCancerFnd
TAX ID NUMBER: 87-1027872
**If you are making a donation in honor of a loved one, please send a message through our site contact page with your name, address, and who you are donating in honor of so that we can acknowledge your donation. Thank you!**
$25
HOT OFF THE PRESS
WCVB Running for a Cause Article- Matt Reed
Inspired by brother, Boston Fire captain runs Boston Marathon for cancer foundation
BOSTON —Along with the physical toll that comes from training for a marathon, it can also be lonely with thoughts racing through your head.
But as Boston Fire Capt. Kevin Ranahan gets ready for his first Boston Marathon, the thought that is constantly top of mind is why he’s running.
“He’s my little brother, so forever you look out for him,” he said.
Dan Ranahan, who is also a Boston firefighter, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma two and half years ago at 30 years old.
“I had a lingering fever and a little cough. I just had my newborn McKenzie, so I went to a Minute Clinic just to get checked out,” Dan Ranahan said. “Called me on the ride home and said, ‘You have to go get an MRI tomorrow. You have a mass in your chest the size of a coconut.’”
Thankfully, Kevin Ranahan is better prepared for the marathon, and most importantly, his brother’s cancer is in remission.
Kevin Ranahan is raising money for the Boston Local 718 Firefighter & Family Cancer Foundation, which his brother founded, to help their brothers and sisters in the department deal with the same fight.
“We’re seeing every three weeks, a Boston firefighter is getting diagnosed with cancer,” said Sam Dillon, president of the Boston Firefighters Local 718. “To have a foundation like this run by the people that it’s run by to support our membership is incredible.”
Whether it was brotherly love or his firefighter instincts kicking in, Kevin Ranahan felt he had to do something. He signed up for the Pan-Mass challenge in honor of his brother, even though he didn’t own a bike. “I borrowed a bike,” Kevin Ranahan said. “Probably wasn’t the best idea.”
Inspired by brother, Boston Fire captain runs Boston Marathon for cancer foundation
BOSTON —Along with the physical toll that comes from training for a marathon, it can also be lonely with thoughts racing through your head.
But as Boston Fire Capt. Kevin Ranahan gets ready for his first Boston Marathon, the thought that is constantly top of mind is why he’s running.
“He’s my little brother, so forever you look out for him,” he said.
Dan Ranahan, who is also a Boston firefighter, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma two and half years ago at 30 years old.
“I had a lingering fever and a little cough. I just had my newborn McKenzie, so I went to a Minute Clinic just to get checked out,” Dan Ranahan said. “Called me on the ride home and said, ‘You have to go get an MRI tomorrow. You have a mass in your chest the size of a coconut.’”
Thankfully, Kevin Ranahan is better prepared for the marathon, and most importantly, his brother’s cancer is in remission.
Kevin Ranahan is raising money for the Boston Local 718 Firefighter & Family Cancer Foundation, which his brother founded, to help their brothers and sisters in the department deal with the same fight.
“We’re seeing every three weeks, a Boston firefighter is getting diagnosed with cancer,” said Sam Dillon, president of the Boston Firefighters Local 718. “To have a foundation like this run by the people that it’s run by to support our membership is incredible.”
Whether it was brotherly love or his firefighter instincts kicking in, Kevin Ranahan felt he had to do something. He signed up for the Pan-Mass challenge in honor of his brother, even though he didn’t own a bike. “I borrowed a bike,” Kevin Ranahan said. “Probably wasn’t the best idea.”
NESN- BRUINS HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER NIGHT
NESN- JIMMY FUND RADIO-TELETHON BFCF INTERVIEW
NESN Interview featuring Rachel Troy
Gallery
Testimonials
Share your experiences
If you or someone you know has been touched by the work of the Boston Fire Cancer Foundation and any of our partnerships, we encourage you to share your experience. Your stories of hope, resilience, and the support you've received can inspire others and strengthen our community.
If you wish to remain anonymous please write 'Anonymous' in the Name Box.
If you wish to remain anonymous please write 'Anonymous' in the Name Box.