Diane Cotter: A Fearless Firefighters' Hero Leading the Fight Against PFAS

In this gripping episode, we sit down for an enlightening conversation with Diane Cotter, exploring her impactful journey through firefighter cancer and the extraordinary efforts she made to support her husband in the face of his cancer diagnosis.

For decades, the prevailing belief leaned towards cardiac events as the primary threat to firefighters' well-being. However, a paradigm shift has occurred, highlighting cancer as a significant concern within the fire service, responsible for a considerable portion of firefighter mortality. Shockingly, a whopping 66% of firefighter fatalities can be attributed to occupational cancer.

Yet, a critical concern arises—our protective gear, designed to safeguard firefighters from perilous carcinogens encountered during fires and exposures, may unintentionally contribute to these alarming cancer statistics.

Discover the inspiring journey of Diane Cotter, a self-taught citizen activist and a beacon of hope for firefighters. Learn about her relentless campaign to remove PFAS "forever chemicals" from firefighters' gear, chronicled in the documentary "BURNED - Protecting The Protectors," produced by award-winning actor Mark Ruffalo.

Diane Cotter is a remarkable citizen activist and a beacon of hope for firefighters. Her relentless dedication and unyielding support for her husband, Fire Lieutenant Paul Cotter, during their battle against his occupational cancer, have inspired the documentary "BURNED - Protecting The Protectors," brought to life by filmmaker Elijah Yetter-Bowman and Executive Producer, award-winning actor Mark Ruffalo. Ed Kelly, General President of the IAFF, rightfully recognizes Diane as "the firefighters' hero."

Diane stands as the ultimate standard-bearer, embodying qualities of intellect, fearlessness, and unwavering focus. Her resolute efforts continue to lead a six-year campaign aimed at eliminating PFAS "forever chemicals" from the gear worn by today's firefighters.

Learn More About PFOAs and Your Turnout Gear: www.yourtutnoutgearandpfoa.com⁠

Screen the film for your department: https://etherealfilms.org/license-request/

Articles Mentioned During This Episode:

The Real Cancer In Your Gear

Other Notable Links:

https://twitter.com/JeffKnobbe

https://twitter.com/MarkRuffalo/status/1620084310224130049

https://www.pfaslawfirms.com/

Follow Diane

www.yourtutnoutgearandpfoa.com

Medium: https://dianecotter.medium.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/Di_Cotter?s=20

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/di_cotter/

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