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Smart Ways to Invest in Charities You Care About

(NewsUSA) - Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to giving back, occurs on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, but charitable giving is a year-round endeavor. With some smart financial planning, you can support the causes that mean the most to you.     

You don’t have to break your budget to make a difference, says Scott Ward, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional. A recent survey by Lending Tree showed that 56% of Americans gave to a charity of some kind in 2021, and nearly 92% of those who gave to charity included charitable deductions on their tax returns.     

Keep these ideas in mind to help support your favorite causes while staying within your budget.     

• Give time. If you are on a tight budget, volunteer your time to a local charity. “If your volunteer service requires you to drive your own car, keep tabs on your mileage; you may have an opportunity to deduct it on your tax return,” Ward says.     

• Consider securities. Stock shares that have appreciated for more than a year can be donated outright to charity with a variety of benefits. “Both you and the charity may be able to avoid capital-gains taxes because you didn’t sell the shares, and you can deduct the fair market value of the asset on your next tax return,” Ward adds.     

• Donate non-cash items. You can deduct donations of non-cash items, such as clothing and furniture, as long as the items are in good condition. Ask for a receipt to document the donation. The IRS guide, Publication 561, can help you determine the value of your donations.     

• Maximize giving opportunities. Some companies offer matching contributions to charitable organizations. Also, if you are age 72 and older, you must take a required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA, even if you are still working. If you were going to make a charitable donation anyway, consider a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). “The QCD option allows you to make a gift directly from your IRA to the eligible charity of up to $100,000 a year,” Ward says. This option allows you to increase your charitable donation, satisfy the RMD and reduce your taxable income, he says.     

• Set a schedule. If you want to take a tax deduction in one year (typically used for gifts in excess of the standard deduction limit) and donate to charity over time, consider a donor-advised fund. You can donate a variety of gifts to a donor-advised fund, including cash donations, investment securities and cryptocurrencies.     

Visit www.LetsMakeAPlan.org for more information about how giving can be part of your budget.

Run a Route with Allen Robinson to Win A Tailgate Prize Pack

(NewsUSA) - When Los Angeles's wide receiver, Allen Robinson, takes the field on Sunday, October 16, he will be running for more than yards and points -- he’ll be helping Maaco celebrate its 50th anniversary in golden style.     

In Maaco’s Gameday Giveaway, fans of North America’s no. 1 body shop can watch the team’s no. 1 Allen Robinson to win prizes when they see his Maaco 50th anniversary golden-yellow cleats in action.     

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to represent such an iconic brand,” says Robinson.     

“From spending time with the team and learning the Maaco way, I was blown away by their persistence and dedication to getting the job done. This has been something I have embodied as an athlete, and I am honored to get to help celebrate their 50th anniversary.”     

Fans can visit MaacoGamedayGiveaway.com and enter to win from Tuesday, October 11 through 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, October 16. To enter, fans will need to submit their name, email address, state of residence and they can add a photo of Allen Robinson for their valid entry. No purchase required. In addition, entrants can view the prize details and official contest rules on the website.   

 “At Maaco, we’re known for adding a colorful splash, focusing on the goal line, executing with our team and celebrating our victories,” says Daryl Hurst, chief operating officer of Maaco.     

“We’re ready to cheer on Allen Robinson and see him run for the end zone in his Maaco 50th anniversary cleats.”     

Whether you are looking to fix up a vehicle that has dings and dents like a defensive lineman after a tough game or go on the offensive and restore your vehicle with a fresh paint job, Maaco offers high-quality, reliable painting and repair service across the U.S. and Canada.     

For information and store locations, visit Maaco.com.

BookTrib’s Bites: Gripping Memoirs, Romance and a Kid’s Tale

(NewsUSA) -  

White Flag“White Flag”
by Judy Mandel       

“I’m done with that life, I’ll never go back to it,” vows Cheryl, but at this point the words are meaningless. This is why, when her Aunt Judy finds Cheryl in jail after two years after presuming her dead, Judy prays this is a wakeup call for the eldest daughter of her dead sister.

Bestselling author Judy L. Mandel reveals that her niece Cheryl is just a symptom of the pervasive grip of trauma brought to light in her first book, “Replacement Child.” Judy grapples endlessly with the seeming futility of trying to help Cheryl, and in the process discovers that trauma and epigenetics may have been what started this avalanche of pain generations ago. She wonders why some people can recover from addiction, and others cannot. Why some can raise the white flag of surrender, while others fight, no matter what the cost.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3AwgNDv.

Where The Sun Rises“Where The Sun Rises”
by Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha  

The “From Kona with Love” series depicts multicultural romance, love, loss, and redemption woven into a family saga, set in the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Book Two is a story about overcoming adversity, the promise of young love, and the valor in letting go.  

When Maele Moana is paired up with Adam Yates to walk down the aisle together at her friend Andie’s wedding, it isn’t exactly a perfect match. Maele is the daughter of a plantation worker, and Adam is the son of one of the richest men in Oahu. But they have one thing in common: big dreams. But with love comes sacrifice, and the goals they’ve worked so hard for may end up tearing them apart.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3qCU7g0.

The Rowdy Randy Wild West Show“The Rowdy Randy Wild West Show”
by Casey Rislov  

Rugged action. Daring stunts. Spectacular showmanship! Rowdy Randy is back, and this time instead of aggravating all the creatures in her path, she’s rounding them up to put in her very own Wild West show.  

Now critters from every rock, den and tree are lining up to audition. And what a show it is! From rope stunts to high jumps, and aerial tricks to climbing competitions, this cowgirl’s show has got it all. But there’s one unwanted character lurking in the shadows who is ready to take credit for it all. The latest in the Rowdy Randy series for children -- which will bring joy and enlighten the imagination -- from this award-winning author.

Purchase at  https://www.caseyrislovbooks.com

When the Bough Breaks“When the Bough Breaks”
by Nancy Ferraro  

“When the Bough Breaks, True Stories of Hope and Encouragement of Mothers Who Have Had to Reinvent Their Relationships with Their Children,” seeks to shed light on that moment when Mom has to reach into the well of courage and ask for outside help.  

The author is an attorney and the mother of two boys, one of whom was adopted from Romania with severe disabilities. After almost a decade of advocacy and research, she placed her son George in a group home, where he is thriving, growing and participating in family life. She writes of her experience as the main caregiver in the family, as most American mothers are, and bearing the burden of guilt and responsibility when things go awry.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3wQ9Ee1.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

Five Ways to Make the Most of Your Prescription Drug Plan

(TJ Gibb, VP, Medicare Part D, Humana) - While inflation is forcing many people to cut back on purchases, spending on your health is not where you want to trim your budget. However, if you have a prescription drug plan (PDP), now is a good time to take a closer look at how you can get the most out of your PDP, including ways to make your medications more affordable and accessible.     

Here are six considerations to keep in mind for your medications:     

Smart Shoppers Compare Costs: Many seniors take multiple medications to treat chronic conditions, which can get expensive. If you’re taking a brand-name drug, you can likely reduce costs by either taking a generic or an alternative medication that treats the same condition but is less expensive. For instance, some pharmacies like CenterWell Pharmacy will let you know if there’s a lower-cost option available and how much it will save you annually.     

• Carefully Choose Your Pharmacy: It is best to select a pharmacy that is in your plan’s network. Some pharmacies, referred to as preferred pharmacies, might offer prescriptions at a lower cost. Check with your PDP to see if there’s another pharmacy in your area that could save you money.       

• Need a Refill? There’s an App for That: Another good way to make sure you refill prescriptions on time and easily manage your medications is to use mobile applications. For example, Humana members have access to MyHumana, a secure and easy-to-use web and mobile application designed to help members get the most out of their PDP benefits.     

• The Pharmacy is Ready to Help: While doctors prescribe your medication, pharmacists are most knowledgeable about them. Many PDPs have pharmacists available to speak with you. If you have any questions or concerns about the medicine you’re taking, make that call rather than wait in line at a pharmacy or for your next doctor’s visit.     

• Get Extra Assistance When Needed: There are low-income subsidies that can further reduce copays and help you afford your medication if you qualify. Additionally, there are patient assistance programs offered through drug manufacturers, foundations and state-based assistance programs that can help cover medication costs.     

• There’s No Place Like Home for Getting Your Medications: Transportation can be costly and not always accessible, making it difficult to get to the pharmacy for needed medications. And you could make a trip to the pharmacy, only to find out your medication is out-of-stock. Instead, take advantage of home delivery options to help ensure medications are received on time. Reduce your costs with home delivery by getting a 90-day supply of the medicine, which often has a lower copay than filling it each month, and by signing up for auto-refills to ensure you don’t miss a dose.       

These options are especially important for seniors to consider since research shows they take an average of 15 prescriptions per year. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers prescription drug coverage or a stand-alone prescription drug plan, check to see what’s included so you can start using these services.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organization and a stand-alone PDP prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Other pharmacies are available in the Humana network. 

4 Questions to Ask When Selecting a Medicare Advantage Plan

(George Renaudin, Medicare President, Humana) - As inflation causes us all to stretch our dollars, the majority of Americans are likely focused on finding the best prices without sacrificing quality. Healthcare is no exception, so picking the right insurance plan that meets your needs can be critical to maintaining a balanced budget.       

During the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period, which runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, people eligible for Medicare have the opportunity to select a plan that provides the affordability, convenience and benefits they want as well as the quality healthcare they deserve.     

When evaluating Medicare Advantage plans, here are four key questions to consider:     

• Are your preferred doctors and hospitals in-network? If you have a doctor you trust or limited hospitals in your area, make sure they are in your network before selecting a plan.     

• Do you need dental, vision or hearing coverage? Evaluate your health needs. Some people will just need dental insurance, while others may need vision and hearing coverage.     

• What about prescription drug coverage? Prescription drug coverage is included in many Medicare Advantage plans, and some plans even offer $0 copays. Make a list of your medications and compare estimated prescription costs as you evaluate plans.     

• What additional benefits do you need? Some plans include transportation assistance to and from doctors’ offices; fitness programs; mental health services; or allowances for out-of-pocket dental, vision or hearing costs. Medicare Advantage members may also consider getting healthcare in the home from in-network providers, such as Heal for primary care or CenterWell Home Health for acute care and chronic health issues.     

There are many new Medicare Advantage offerings this year, so it is worth taking the time to evaluate your options to find the best plan for your healthcare needs --  and your wallet. In fact, consumers who select Medicare Advantage save nearly $2,000 per year compared with what beneficiaries pay with original Medicare.     

For more information, visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, you can learn about Humana Medicare Advantage plans, which are recommended by USAA, by going to www.Humana.com/Medicare or calling 1-888-372-2614 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week, to speak with a licensed sales agent.

Additional Information
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP AND PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Other providers are available in the Humana network.  

USAA and the USAA logo are registered trademarks of the United Services Automobile Association. All rights reserved. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Use of the term “member” or “membership” refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change.   

Enfermedades renales comunes: Lo que debe saber

(NewsUSA) - ¿Sabía que uno de cada siete personas en los EE.UU. vive con una enfermedad renal? Como nefrólogo, veo las muchas emociones que vive un paciente cuando por primera vez recibe un diagnóstico. La ansiedad, el miedo y la culpa son sentimientos comunes que pueden ir acompañados de dolores físicos y afecciones derivados de su condición. Si bien estas emociones pueden ser abrumadoras, animo a mis pacientes a que tomen las riendas de su diagnóstico educándose sobre estrategias para el manejo adecuado de su salud.

También intento instruir a mis pacientes sobre las diferencias entre las enfermedades renales, dado que algunas variantes, como la poliquistosis renal autosómica dominante (PQRAD), se pueden heredar y enmascarar fácilmente por otra afección, como la presión arterial alta, la diabetes y la enfermedad de células falciformes. Estas son algunas enfermedades renales comunes que debe conocer para poder hablar de ellas con su familia y su proveedor de atención médica:

• La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) se caracteriza por el daño renal o la disminución de la función renal por al menos tres meses. Las personas que viven con ERC pierden la capacidad de filtrar adecuadamente el exceso de sal y líquido en la sangre debido a una insuficiencia renal. La ERC es común en los Estados Unidos, donde más de 37 millones de adultos pueden vivir con esta enfermedad. Las personas corren mayor riesgo de ERC si ya tienen diabetes, presión arterial alta, enfermedades cardiacas o antecedentes familiares de insuficiencia renal.

• La enfermedad renal poliquística (ERP) es un trastorno hereditario y una forma de enfermedad renal crónica que hace que se formen y crezcan quistes en los riñones; a medida que los quistes crecen, los riñones se agrandan y el daño avanza, lo cual reduce la función renal y puede causar insuficiencia renal.

• La poliquistosis renal autosómica dominante (PQRAD) es una enfermedad hereditaria poco frecuente que afecta a más de 140,000 personas en los EE.UU. La PQRAD, que es la forma más común de ERP, hace que se formen y crezcan quistes en los riñones. A medida que estos crecen, los riñones se agrandan, y algunos quistes llegan a tener el tamaño de una pelota de fútbol. Como resultado, la función renal disminuye progresivamente, lo que puede provocar insuficiencia renal. La PQRAD se puede diagnosticar mediante imágenes clínicas, como la ecografía, la tomografía computarizada (TC) o la resonancia magnética (RMN). También se pueden hacer pruebas genéticas para diagnosticar la PQRAD. Si bien la PQRAD se considera una enfermedad rara, suele ocurrir con frecuencia en familias afectadas por la condición, y el hijo de un padre con PQRAD tiene un 50 por ciento de probabilidades de heredarla.

• La poliquistosis renal autosómica recesiva (PQRAR) suele detectarse antes de que el bebé nazca, dado que las imágenes de la ecografía muestran que los riñones del feto son más grandes de lo normal. Un niño sólo nace con PQRAR si ambos padres son portadores del gen que la causa.

Hay una diversidad de cambios en el estilo de vida saludable y estrategias de manejo que pueden ayudar a retrasar la progresión de la enfermedad, por ejemplo, mantener una dieta adecuada para los riñones, beber determinada cantidad de agua y mantener un peso saludable. También es importante aprovechar los recursos educativos, como ADPKDQuestions.com, para estar informado sobre la enfermedad y poder conversar abiertamente con su médico y familiares.

La Dra. Dahl es un consultora remunerada de Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.

Understanding Common Kidney Diseases

(NewsUSA) - Did you know that one in seven Americans lives with a kidney disease? As a nephrologist, I see the range of emotions patients experience when they are first diagnosed. Anxiety, fear and guilt are all common feelings that may be accompanied by physical aches and pains stemming from their condition. While these emotions may be overwhelming, I encourage my patients to take charge of their diagnosis by educating and empowering themselves to learn more about a management strategy that works for them.     

I also try to educate my patients on the nuances between kidney diseases, as some variants -- such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) -- can be inherited and easily masked by another condition, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and the sickle cell trait. The following are common kidney diseases you should be aware of so that you can discuss them with your family and your healthcare provider:     

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by kidney damage or a decrease in kidney function for at least three months. People living with CKD lose their ability to filter extra salt and fluid from the blood properly due to loss of kidney function. CKD is common in the United States, with more than 37 million adults potentially living with this disease. Individuals are at a higher risk for CKD if they already have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a family history of kidney failure.     

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder and a form of chronic kidney disease that causes cysts to form and grow in the kidneys; as cysts grow, kidneys enlarge and damage progresses, reducing kidney function and potentially leading to kidney failure.   

 • Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited, rare disease that affects more than 140,000 Americans. ADPKD, the most common form of PKD, causes cysts to form and grow in the kidneys. As the cysts grow, kidneys enlarge, with some kidneys growing to the size of a football. As a result, kidney function progressively declines and may lead to kidney failure.     

ADPKD may be diagnosed by clinical imaging such as an ultrasound, computed tomography  scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Genetic testing may also be used to diagnose ADPKD. While ADPKD is considered a rare disease, it frequently occurs in families impacted by the condition -- with a child of a parent with ADPKD having a 50 percent chance of inheritance.     

• Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is often detected before a baby is born due to ultrasound images showing the unborn baby’s kidneys larger than normal. A child is only born with ARPKD if both parents are carriers of the gene that causes it.   

 There are a variety of healthy lifestyle changes and management strategies that may help to delay disease progression such as maintaining a kidney-friendly diet, drinking a certain amount of water and maintaining a healthy weight. It’s also important to utilize educational resources, such as ADPKDQuestions.com, to ensure you’re educated about the disease so you can have open conversations with your doctor and family.

Dr. Dahl is a paid consultant of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.

3 Reasons to Ditch Your Laundry Detergent for Eco Strips

(NewsUSA) - The laundry industry would have you believe that in order to get brilliant, clean laundry, you need to use powders, liquids and pods that are diluted with water, and come in bulky, single-use plastic containers. However, according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), plastic waste is en route to overtake fossil fuels as the leading environmental pollution by 2030.     

According to The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050, making this the best time to consider a more sustainable laundry routine.     

Offering the same cleaning power as traditional detergents, eco laundry strips are leading the way with many benefits. Usually sold online by subscription with free sampling, these pre-measured, paper-thin resin strips boast natural ingredients, zero waste and no plastic -- good reasons to consider ditching mom’s laundry detergent for an eco-friendly one.     

In case you’re considering reducing plastic in your household this year, here are three earth-impacting reasons to make the switch to laundry strips:     

95% Less Transportation Pollution. Significantly reducing greenhouse gases and fossil fuels, laundry strips are concentrated soap that dissolves and biodegrades naturally in water. They’re small and lightweight, unlike traditional detergent that is 10% soap and 90% water, which results in transporting water around the world and having a huge eco footprint.     

Plastic-Free. Laundry strips are pre-measured with one strip equaling one load, and packaged in recycled paper, unlike most common detergents that use single-use plastic containers. With 292.4 tons of plastic ending up in landfills and less than 9% actually recycled (source EPA), going plastic-free to save the environment is a no-brainer.     

Plant-Derived Ingredient. Laundry strips are hypoallergenic and safe for the most sensitive skin types. They boast natural scented oils and plant-derived ingredients that clean laundry, as well as traditional detergent, minus the over- 200 synthetic chemicals that can result in skin or eye irritation, eczema, rashes, endocrine disruption, and more.     

Adding to the positive environmental impact, let’s not overlook the convenience. After all, who wouldn’t love not having to deal with big, bulky containers? Ordering by subscription may take a moment to get used to, but having your laundry detergent delivered in an envelope to your door and storing it in a drawer is a huge bonus we’re guessing your home decorator will love.     

By transforming the way we do laundry, we can do our part to reduce our environmental impact. Learn more about eco laundry strips, and try them for free at USolve.com 

BookTrib’s Bites: Diverse Slices of Life in These Four Books

(NewsUSA) - ­­­­

Squeeze Plays“Squeeze Plays”
by Jeffrey Marshall       

A modern tableau about money and power set in New York and London. Two powerful men, a bank chief executive and a New York tabloid publisher, are at odds over a loan that would keep the publisher afloat. Enter a ruthless Russian oligarch with an offer of a financial life raft to the publisher -- a gambit uncovered by a dogged financial reporter who senses a big story.  

The book whisks us into the paneled boardrooms and lavish penthouses of the New York elite and shows us their lifestyle, their desires and their foibles. The author carefully details the reporter’s story, which ties the central characters together in what becomes a stunning front-page expose. Along the way, the reader sees not just financial skullduggery but sexual blackmail, strong and principled female characters and a brisk and often satirical take on the corrupting influences of wealth and power.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3PSCG4Q.

Laughing My Way Through the Third Stage“Laughing My Way Through the Third Stage”
by Susan Goldfein  

The author is highly qualified to tarnish the golden years and she does so with the usual wit and wisdom we’ve come to expect. Following her first two award-winning books, “How Old Am I in Dog Years and How to Complain When There’s Nothing to Complain About,” this collection of hilarious essays comments on her personal, but highly relatable, journey through the decades.  

With wit and candor, Goldfein discusses her left rotator cuff that no longer rotated, her horror at losing inches instead of pounds and the indignity of bathing suit shopping. Susan has become the hilarious new voice for “women of a certain age,” and she reminds us of how refreshing it is to step back and have a good laugh at our own expense.

Purchase at  https://amzn.to/3xmRYru.

The Offering“The Offering”
by Salah El Moncef  

A Tunisian diasporic poet explores the nature of loss as his life tragically falls apart in this critically acclaimed novel.  

After countless professional disappointments, Tariq Abbassi flees Tunisia with his wife for a new life in France, where he plans to flourish as an experimental poet. But soon he is struggling just to keep his family together. His uncompromising ambition and untethered anger, however, ultimately lead to an emotional rupture, and Tariq soon finds himself completely alone when his wife takes the children and leaves.  

This abandonment is only the first in a string of unspeakable tragedies that befall him. Reeling from his devastating loss while attempting to cope with a traumatic brain injury, Tariq finds his already tenuous grasp on reality slipping away.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3TTWhnL.

The Power of Being Seen“The Power of Being Seen”
by Roger Saillant  

A poignant memoir about a person who was a product of the foster care system in the 1950s, showing how adults’ inability to really see and hear others can alter a life. Author Roger Saillant describes his journey, constantly doubting himself and wondering: ‘Why doesn’t anybody want me? Did I do something wrong?’ He lives life on a farm where all that matters is whether work gets done  --  with no regard to the typical experiences of a growing child.  

Saillant describes feelings of abandonment and hopelessness, but the good values instilled by many caring adults make this a story of optimism, courage and inspiration. “Roger understands the impact kind people have had on him. Those who saw him and assured him he matters will live in him forever,” says reviewer Kathleen Alfiero.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3QcqZFv.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

Join National Stair Climb to Honor Fallen Firefighters, Support Their Families

(NewsUSA) - Joe Minogue knows the meaning of service. The retired lieutenant from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) began his firefighting career in 1998. But on September 11, 2001, his chosen career changed radically when the World Trade Center Twin Towers collapsed following a devastating terrorist attack.     

Minogue rushed to the rubble. He would not know at the time that his musical talent would become part of his duty. He became an FDNY bugler for the Ceremonial Unit, playing Taps for hundreds of firefighter funerals and memorials.     

Minogue remains an active member of the FDNY community. He’s currently a liaison to the FDNY for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), the nonprofit organization established by Congress in 1992 to lead a nationwide effort honoring America’s fallen firefighters, assisting their families and working to reduce line-of-duty deaths.     

Every year, Minogue now participates in the NFFF National 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to commemorate the FDNY firefighters killed in the 9/11 attacks. He says the climbs are meaningful for three reasons. “It’s about the past, the now, and the future. We remember the past; we live in the now because we don’t know what the future will bring. And no matter what -- we can’t forget the 343 who gave their lives in service, so we’re honoring their memory and supporting their families into the future, for as long as they need.”     

The National Stair Climb takes place on October 16 at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY. Participants symbolically retrace the steps of the FDNY firefighters who died on 9/11 by climbing stairs until they reach the equivalent of 110 stories -- or 2,220 steps -- of the World Trade Center. Each climber also carries a photo of a firefighter who died on 9/11. Visit this link to the Belmont climb to register and participate in New York on October 16.      

Approximately 50 local NFFF Stair Climbs also occur yearly in cities on or around September 11. Funds from the climbs support much-needed programs for families of firefighters killed in the line of duty. These programs offer various services, including grief and behavioral counseling -- and even a summer camp for the children of fallen firefighters. Current FDNY members benefit from this support as well as the survivors of those lost on September 11, 2001. The programs are available for as long as firefighters and their families need them.     

Anyone anywhere can support fallen firefighters and their families by climbing, walking or even biking in an NFFF Virtual Stair Climb. That’s possible now through December 31, 2022. Registration is required HERE.     

For more information and other ways to support families of fallen firefighters and reduce line-of-duty deaths, visit firehero.org.

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