Russ Constantino loved his job with the Gurnee Fire Department. He was the department's Quartermaster, responsible for the distribution and inventory of all the supplies, materials, and equipment.
"But our family knows firsthand the stress and anxiety of dealing with cancer, and the financial toll especially. We hope our gifting will ease at least some of that burden. This is our family's way of honoring Russ's memory, and honoring those who helped us at that time, and paying it forward." The Constantino family is hoping to not only raise funds, but also awareness about cancer-related illnesses in firefighters.
Russ Constantino and his family -- wife Shenan, son Ryan and daughter Lauren -- at Russ' retirement from fire service in 2009. He would pass away just months later. - courtesy of Shield 23 Foundation Inc. The financial support may be used toward medical costs not covered by insurance, travel and transportation costs related to treatment, loss of income, household bills and expenses, meals, child care, etc.
"Our slogan, 'For Love of Family & Brotherhood,' is what is etched on Russ's grave marker. It means that not only is the firefighter gift recipient a member of the fire service family at large and their respective fire department family, but forever more also the Shield 23 Foundation family," Shenan said.A: We have been incredibly blessed by those who have generously supported our mission over the past five years.