Mattawa's gear packing, long distance running firefighter
Firefighter Cielo Acosta at a race. You can make a donation via Acosta's fundraising page at www.active.com/donate/Code3ForACureFound/cielo
MATTAWA - Mattawa's gear-packing, long distance running firefighter, Cielo Acosta, is still at it, like the bunny that never tires.
The Grant County Fire District No. 8 volunteer carried his firefighting gear last weekend at the 36th Annual Ephrata Canal Caper 10k Run.
Acosta ran the race in his firefighting gear to call attention to the prevalence of cancer among firefighters and to raise funds for the Code 3 for a Cure Foundation, a nonprofit charity which provides financial assistance to firefighters stricken with cancer.
Acosta has already achieved numerous races in his firefighting gear over the past year. True to form, he will run the Yakima River Canyon Marathon on April 5 and the "Not Too Taking" 5k on April 12, both in fire gear.
Many people around here know of Acosta's penchant for running long distances with a pack. What they may not know is that he has overcome a lot to do so-and to become a firefighter.
Five years ago, Acosta nearly lost his leg after being t-boned by an SUV while working in Seattle as a bike messenger. It took him a year to walk again.
"I'm running because I haven't always been able to," he said. "I realized a long time ago I am the only one who limits myself. I'm running in my fire gear to challenge myself and to support firefighters fighting their own battle with cancer. I hope to use it as an opportunity to inspire others to be active and to help others however they can.
"Firefighters helped get me to the hospital after my accident and now I'm the firefighter helping others. The rod, screws and scars still hurt my leg, but I know my pain pales in comparison to what cancer patients go through.
"Please take some time to give to Code 3 for a Cure Foundation. Give a penny, a dollar, or even 10 for every mile I am running."
You can make a donation via Acosta's fundraising page: www.active.com/donate/Code3ForACureFound/cielo.
Donations are tax deductible, and proceeds go directly to the Code 3 for a Cure Foundation.
The Code 3 for a Cure Foundation was founded by firefighter Lorenzo Abundiz (California), three-time cancer survivor.
Abundiz was compelled to form the Foundation after his own personal battles with the disease and witnessing many of his comrades suffer and die from it.
While cancer can strike anyone, numerous studies have proven that firefighters are more likely to contract the disease than the general population due to the toxins to which they are exposed in the line of duty.
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