My name is Patrick Nichols. Although I may be new to the sport of boxing, I am no stranger to a fight.  I am a Lieutenant on the Boston Fire Department.  I have worked for the BFD for 9 years and worked as a volunteer firefighter in Savanah, Georgia for three years while in the military.  Fighting fires is my profession and what I love to do.  Yet with great reward also comes great risk.  Did you know cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, and research suggests firefighters are at higher risk of certain types of cancers when compared to the general population?  Here are a few stats: Testicular cancer – 2.02 times the risk; mesothelioma – 2.0 times greater risk; non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – 1.51 times greater risk; prostate cancer – 1.28 times greater risk; and leukemia – 1.14 times greater risk.

Over the years, countless colleagues and friends have battled various types of cancer.  In 2020, my good friend and Boston Fire Department Academy classmate Dan Ranahan, was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma.  Since receiving this diagnosis Dan has not only waged a fearless battle against his own cancer, but has declared war on occupational cancer.  In 2021, Dan founded the Boston Local 718 Firefighter and Family Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises money to support members of the Boston Fire Department who are diagnosed with occupational cancer.  The organization provides both emotional and financial support to firefighters and their families  The mission of the organization is to eliminate the daily stressors that come with a cancer diagnosis and provide support to firefighters and their families through mentorship, financial support, meal plans, and more.

According to the Take No Smoke Organization, "the average number of weeks between cancer diagnosis for Boston Firefighters is three." Today there are multiple members of the Boston Fire Department fighting this horrible disease.   Boston Local 718 Firefighter and Family Cancer Foundation is fighting right beside them. Putting out a burning building can't be done by one firefighter, it takes a team.  Fighting and ending occupational cancer is also a team effort and the Boston Local 718 Firefighter and Family Cancer Foundation is the Incident Commander.  That is why I am dedicating the proceeds of my fundraising efforts to this well deserving organization.  

I hope that my participation in Haymakers for Hope will help raise awareness about occupational cancer in the fire service and that the funds raised during my fight camp journey will assist Boston Local 718 Firefighter and Family Cancer Foundation with carrying out it's mission. 

In 2022, 348 out of the 469 names added to the International Association of Firefighters Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Wall were members who had died from occupational cancer.  I fight to honor the men and women who lost their battle.  I fight for those currently battling. And I fight so that no other firefighter has to fight occupational cancer.