Coral Springs-Parkland firefighters raise $7,000 through their annual pasta dinner to support cancer research and firefighter health initiatives
Coral Springs, Florida – Firefighters in Coral Springs and Parkland traded in their helmets for aprons last weekend, serving hundreds of pasta dinners in a heartfelt effort to raise money for cancer research and prevention. The event, known as the Cancer Awareness Pasta Dinner, has become a meaningful annual tradition — and this year, it brought in an impressive $7,000 for a cause that hits close to home.
The dinner, held on Saturday, drew a large turnout from residents, families, and fellow first responders who came together to show support. Firefighters and volunteers served 864 meals throughout the evening, according to the department’s social media post. The proceeds will help fund cancer prevention, research, and support programs dedicated to protecting those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
A significant portion of the funds will go to the University of Miami Sylvester’s Firefighter Cancer Initiative, a leading research program focused on understanding and reducing occupational cancer risks in the firefighting profession. Additional donations will benefit the Coral Springs Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association and several local charities that help firefighters and their families cope with cancer-related challenges.
For many in the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, this cause is personal. Over the past decade, 15 members of the department have been diagnosed with cancer, a staggering number that has left a lasting mark on the community. Among those who lost their battle were firefighter-paramedic James “Nate” Leonard, who passed away in 2022, and veteran firefighter Paul Pietrafesa, who died in 2016 after 12 years of service. Their names, and the stories behind them, continue to inspire fellow firefighters to push forward in the fight against occupational cancer.
In response to these devastating losses, the department has made major strides in prevention and safety. Officials said that firefighters now undergo annual medical checkups, wear additional sets of protective gear, and work with modernized fire trucks designed to limit exposure to harmful carcinogens often present at fire scenes. These efforts are part of a growing movement within fire departments nationwide to address what experts have called an “epidemic” of cancer among firefighters.
The success of the pasta dinner reflects more than just community generosity — it’s a show of solidarity between residents and the people who risk their lives daily. The event also serves as a reminder that, behind every uniform, there are individuals who face unseen dangers long after the flames are out.
With $7,000 raised and the continued support of the community, the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department remains determined to honor the memory of those lost and protect future generations of firefighters from the same fate. As one firefighter put it, the mission is simple: “We fight fires to save lives, and now we fight cancer to save our own.”
