Firefighters diagnosed with cancer and proved that this is because of their occupation can receive compensation if the Senate Bill 27 is passed. Firefigthers across Ohio met at the statehouse to rally in favor of the bill.
Studies have established the high vulnerability of firefighters to be diagnosed with cancer. Because of the nature of their work, firefighters are exposed to carcinogens almost all the time, as they encounter smoke from burning material inside houses they are trying to save. Firefighters therefore want the assurance that they can get some financial resources when they are indeed, one day diagnosed with cancer. This can happen with a presumptive cancer bill.
For instance, former firefighter Tracy Beavers was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. Her firefighter husband is also currently fighting to stay alive because of stage 3 prostate cancer, as reported by 10TV.
While Beavers was able to detect the cancer early, she is joining the many firefighters who is supporting Senate Bill 27. She testified that she never thought she would ever get cancer. She also added that her husband is not as lucky as her. "In less than 6 months we went from an early catch to fighting for John's life," she said.
Beavers added that Chicago doctors told her being firefighters was the direct cause of their cancer. She said in Chicago, the doctors disclosed this information because they have "presumptive legislation." Even though they are from Ohio, she never heard the doctors told her there is a link between cancer and firefighting. She hopes the bill can change this.
If the bill is passed, Ohio doctors can already presume there is a link between cancer and firefighting, and therefore, give firefighters the opportunity to apply for workers compensation. Cancer treatments are expensive, especially if the firefighter diagnosed with it does not have a job anymore.