Byrne Out Cancer Held Annual Pickleball Fundraiser

The foundation raised funds in Kansas City to combat occupational cancer risks among firefighters.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Philanthropy

Byrne Out Cancer Held Annual Pickleball Fundraiser

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Should your local community provide additional funding for firefighter protective equipment?

Byrne Out Cancer hosted an annual pickleball fundraiser to purchase equipment designed to reduce cancer risks for firefighters. The effort focuses on removing dangerous carcinogens from protective gear.

Why it matters

Firefighters face high levels of occupational cancer risk, as carcinogens are easily absorbed through the skin. This initiative helps provide departments with specialized cleaning tools to mitigate those dangers.

The foundation supports fire departments by purchasing extractor washers to clean gear. This equipment targets the removal of carcinogens that contributed to the 2017 death of founder Colleen Byrne's father.

The players

Colleen Byrne

She is the founder of the organization Byrne Out Cancer which raises awareness and equipment for fire safety.

Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department

This department serves the Kansas City area and employed the father of Colleen Byrne for 30 years.

The details

The foundation, Byrne Out Cancer, works to improve safety protocols by supplying washers that effectively clean protective gear. These efforts are aimed at preventing the absorption of carcinogens that pose a significant health threat to those in the fire service.

Colleen Byrne's father died from occupational cancer in 2017.
The foundation held its annual pickleball fundraiser on October 10, 2026.

Market Landscape

This initiative follows the ongoing industry effort to standardize cleaner protective protocols for first responders nationwide. By focusing on decontamination technology, the foundation aligns with broader health safety trends within the public safety sector.

Residents in Kansas City can support local public safety by participating in charity events that fund essential decontamination gear for fire stations. These community-driven purchases help ensure that local firefighters have better protection against workplace carcinogens.

The takeaway

Community-led fundraising can bridge critical gaps in safety equipment for first responders. Residents should look for similar health-focused initiatives to support the well-being of their local emergency personnel.