MATTAWA - When Mattawa firefighter/EMT Cielo Acosta completed the Firecracker 5K in Ellensburg on July 4, he was a winner no matter the position in which he finished.

Acosta was shedding light on the needs of cancer victims in the firefighter community. To make his point, he wore his 50-pound firefighting pack throughout the race.

Numerous studies have shown that the risk of cancer is greater among firefighters than the general population.

A 2005 University of Cincinnati study concluded that firefighters face an increased risk of several types cancers, including:

• 102 percent greater chance of contracting testicular cancer.
• 53% greater chance of multiple myeloma.
• 51% greater chance of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• 32% greater chance of brain cancer, 28% greater chance of prostate cancer.
• 39% greater chance of skin cancer.
• 21% greater chance of colon cancer.
• 22% greater chance of stomach cancer.

"Firefighters are exposed to numerous cancer-causing substances," head researcher Grace LeMasters said.

Acosta, who is agile and quick with a full load of gear, runs to bring attention to a firefighter foundation called CODE 3 FOR A CURE (C3FAC). It provides assistance to firefighters across the country who are battling cancer.

A volunteer with Grant County Fire District No. 8, Acosta started his athletic quest on March 10 in Seattle during The Scott Firefighter Stair climb. Cielo climbed up 69 floors with 50 pounds of full firefighting gear, breathing air from a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). He finished in less than 22 minutes.

Since then, Acosta has competed in numerous events such as the San Francisco Fight For Air Climb. He climbed 52 floors in full gear in just 13 minutes, earning him the fastest time in the individual firefighter division.

Acosta also accomplished the Yakima River Canyon Marathon and Portland's Race for the Roses 1/2-Marathon while, once again, wearing his firefighter gear.

At every event, Acosta hands out flyers and talks to attendees and other athletes about Code 3's work.

Acosta now looks forward to his biggest challenge. He will compete in the upcoming 103 floors of Sky Rise Chicago, the nation's second tallest skyscraper.

The Code 3 for a Cure Foundation was formed by Firefighter Lorenzo Abundiz, a Medal of Valor recipient who was featured on the CBS News program Rescue 911.

After his own personal battles with three different types of cancer and witnessing many of his comrades suffer and die, he formed the nonprofit foundation to help fight the war on all cancer.

A major aspect of the Foundation's purpose is to provide financial assistance on a nationwide basis to firefighters battling cancer who are facing a financial hardship.

You can learn more about Acosta's mission at www.code3foracure.org.