Our Benefactors

It takes a village to provide the physical and emotional support to our families & help them heal.  We have every intention to expand our village so that our families are never without their needs.

 

FDNY Foundation

Assistance for our Families

The FDNY Foundation, established in 1981, is the official not-for-profit organization of the New York City Fire Department. Its mission is to promote fire and life safety education and help the FDNY better protect New York.

The FDNY Foundation funds awareness and outreach programs for the public, training and support for FDNY members. The FDNY Foundation is the only organization authorized to raise funds on behalf of the FDNY.

The FDNY Family Assistance Unit is one of the bureaus funded by the FDNY Foundation.  The Family Assistance Unit provides funding to families of fallen and sick FDNY members, as well as assists with financial support for those firefighters and families who need help due to work related injuries.

The Family Assistance unit uses a fleet of vehicles that are commissioned to the Fire Department by the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation to provide around the clock transportation services for ill and injured members (as well as their families) of the department to and from their treatment visits.

FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation

FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation

Transportation Services

A registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the well-being of the fire department family; for recognition of the unique sacrifices that firefighters and their families selflessly make for the sake of all; and to honor those sacrifices.

The central focus of the Foundation is assisting the families of firefighters in their times of greatest need, in transporting firefighters, family members and department personnel to and from medical institutions both for care and family support. The Foundation is all-volunteer, entirely non-profit, and depends on donations of equipment, funds and service to carry out its mission. They are very dedicated to the comfort and support of the families of firefighters in their times of bereavement.

The Family Transport Foundation provides vehicles and transportation assistance, in conjunction with the Fire Department of the City of New York. On a broader scale, they have been dedicated to the good of the community in building awareness of the often-overlooked needs of the fire department family.

The Foundation has, through donations, acquired a fleet of vehicles that are commissioned to the Fire Department and are available around the clock to provide transportation services throughout the City of New York and environs.

Medical Equipment & Services for our ill members

“Do the right thing, even when no one is looking,” words you’d often hear from Ray Pfeifer. A member of the FDNY since 1987, Ray was golfing with other FDNY firefighters the morning of September 11, 2001. When he learned of the attacks, Ray went to his firehouse at Engine 40/Ladder 35, grabbed his gear, and spent the next eight months searching and digging at Ground Zero. All 11 members of his Manhattan firehouse who responded to the call were killed.

In 2009, Ray was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer resulting from his work at the World Trade Center site. With federal benefits on the verge of expiring, Ray, in his wheelchair, led a small contingent to Washington, DC in 2015 to challenge lawmakers. Ray fought for health care benefits from the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to be extended for September 11th first responders, and succeeded. Ray passed away on May 28, 2017.

Now The Ray Pfeifer Foundation, started by other FDNY first responders, is helping 9/11 first responders with medical needs not covered by insurance.

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

Lodging

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge program provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. More than just a roof over their heads, it’s a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need. Each Hope Lodge community offers a supportive, homelike environment where guests can share a meal, join in the evening’s activities, or unwind in their own private room. The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in New York City, which opened in 2007, offers 60 guest rooms located near treatment centers in the area.

Each Hope Lodge community offers:

  • A supportive environment for patients in cancer treatment and their caregivers

  • Close proximity to local cancer treatment centers

  • Private guest rooms and bathrooms

  • Fully equipped community kitchens for food storage and preparation

  • Gathering areas/great rooms and community dining rooms

  • Free laundry rooms stocked with supplies

  • Outdoor, reflection, or meditation spaces

  • A library and/or resource rooms

  • TVs and computer access

  • Dedicated volunteers helping to ensure a comfortable stay for our guests and frequently cook/provide meals

  • Committed staff members providing a nurturing and safe environment for guests