The widow of a London firefighter who died from cancer is applauding a federal commitment to study its prevalence. Christy Bruinink believes $12.3 million to track cancers in firefighters will ultimately lead to better survival rates.
It has been less than a year since her husband, London firefighter Chris Bruinink, succumbed to cancer. While she continues to grieve his loss, Christy has pushed forward into advocacy. Just this week, she spoke to firefighters at a conference in Toronto.
While there she learned of the federal government's commitment to study the impact of cancer on firefighters. At a news conference Tuesday, federal health minister Mark Holland acknowledged the disease takes more lives than the fires crews put out. “Sadly, really the number one taker of life is cancer," said Holland.
It is a fact Chris Bruinink recognized long before his terminal diagnosis. Now, Christy has taken up his mission to reduce the occupational hazards firefighters face. She called the government's commitment to track cancer cases amongst firefighters an important first step.
Christy Bruinink is seen with a photo of her late husband, London Fire Capt. Chris Bruinink on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024.
(Sean Irvine/CTV London) “My hope is that that's going to lead to more early detection, more medical screening and early intervention to save our firefighters. Chris is not the only one,” said Christy. “There's many out there that are struggling and have occupational diseases that they'r.