Editor’s Note: Interested in free weekly updates from Northern Michigan? Sign up for the UP NORTH VOICE MAIL
By Donna Thoma
donnathoma0@gmail.com
ROSCOMMON- Neighbors United organized the first Walk Around the Lakes event in 2023, to bring awareness to the public, and raise funds to help firefighters fight cancer.
Over the past three years, Michigan has averaged seventy-two firefighters being diagnosed with firefighting related cancers. Firefighters are 9-25% more likely to develop some form of cancer than the general population. Neighbors United is aware of at least 114 firefighters in Michigan, lost to the disease over the last eight years.
The 2026 goal is to raise one million dollars. Since the project began, over $1.2 million has been raised and distributed, with over 300 families having been helped. All monies raised through Walk for the Red in July and the Walk across Michigan event in September, go directly to firefighters and their families. They also plan to provide funding for early detection as well.
In an event titled, The Weight We Carry, Firefighters Joe Warne and Ryan Phipps, retired (two-time cancer survivor) will walk in full gear. They and any other walkers will begin from Trestle Park in Prudenville at 8 a.m. July 18, and from Gerrish Township Fire/EMS at 8 a.m. July 19. Gerrish Fire Chief, Kristi Gilliam will walk with Joe and Ryan on Sunday, July 19.
Following the walk on Sunday July 19, the public is invited to attend a community barbecue at the Gerrish Township Fire Department to celebrate the walkers and help support the cause inspired by the original Walk for the Red held each September.
The four-day, 140-mile walk across Michigan will take place September 10-14, beginning at 17800 21 Mile Rd. Macomb, MI and ending at 2990 Buttrick in Ada, MI.
Others may walk with the firefighters, or cheer from the sidelines along the routes. Donations and sponsorships are being accepted. Contact: www.walkforthered.org or neighborsunitedmi@gmail.com for more info or to donate.
