Budda's Brotherhood Foundation

05/30/2026

Budda’s Brotherhood Board of Directors Mark Bozik, Steve Kish, Tony Carlini and Chuck Kuhn were honored today to present Addison Fire Protectiom District Paramedic, Garreth Thornley and wife Michelle, with a donation. Garreth is currently battling advanced gastrointestinal cancer. We will be keeping Garreth and his family in our thoughts as he continues to Fight the Good Fight.

We would like to thank Addison Fire Protection District for welcoming us to their department for the presentation.

05/26/2026

Thank you Batavia Fire Department for always remembering Marco. ♥️

05/24/2026

Budda’s Brotherhood is putting a spotlight on Patrick Watson, a FF/PM with the Oswego Fire Protection District. Patrick was a recipient of a donation from Budda’s Brotherhood when he was battling cancer.

Seeing Patrick at this year’s Oswego Firefighters Annual Softball Tournament makes me smile. Patrick is a true warrior! He has fought and beaten cancer three times. At the 2024 tournament, he had just been released from the hospital after his third relapse. What was the first thing he did? He came to the softball tournament. In 2025 and 2026 he played in the tournament.

To go through three cancer battles and come out on top is amazing in and of itself. But to come out with his big bright smile, his fighting spirit, and positive light is truly inspirational. And that is why you can’t help but smile when you are around him.

Not only did he beat his own cancer battle and return to his job as a firefighter, he now talks with other firefighters going through their own cancer battles and treatments.

Warrior definition: someone who exhibits fierce courage, vigor, or tenacity in facing adversity. You might as well put Patrick’s name on this. ♥️

05/24/2026

Thank you to the Oswego Firefighters Local 4773 for once again putting on a great softball tournament. A day that started out cool and overcast turned into a beautiful sunny day. A portion of the proceeds raised from this great are donated to Budda’s Brotherhood Foundation! Thank you for being one of our #1 supporters!! ♥️

04/29/2026

Oswego Firefighters Local 4773 is looking for teams to participate in their annual First Responder Softball Tournament on Saturday, May 23rd. If your department is interested, sign up information can be found on the flyer below. A portion of the proceeds raised go to support Budda’s Brotherhood Foundation.

As always, a huge thank you to Oswego Firefighters Local 4773, who have been one of our biggest supporters through the years!

03/29/2026

We are just under two weeks away from Hero Night and some epic action to raise money to help . The featured first responder charity this year is Budda's Brotherhood Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to providing assistance to firefighters battling cancer.

There is still time to register - get your teams together!

02/25/2026

Thank you NorthAurora FirefightersAssociation! Your continued support of Marco’s foundation is truly appreciated! ♥️

North Aurora Firefighters Local 5135 are hosting a St. Patrick's Day T-shirt sale for charity! ☘️
Proceeds benefit charitable causes. Visit https://na5135-fundrasier.deco-apparel.com to order yours!

Chuck Sullivan-AFFI President Kurt Snow - AFFI Secretary/Treasurer Chris Coats AFFI Vice-President Scott Cavenaile, AFFI District Four Vice President Steve Shetsky - Northern District Legislative Representative

02/17/2026

Budda’s Brotherhood had the honor of presenting a donation to FF/PM Zachary Martinez of the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District. In the begiining of this year, at the age of 24, and right after getting married to his beautiful wife Karina, FF/PM Martinez found out he had Stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. He has started his treatment and so far things are looking good! Meeting Zak, it was very apparent, his spirit, positive attitude, and the support of his wife and his department are going to help get him through this battle. Our thoughts will be with Zak and Karina as he continues his treatment. “Fight the Good Fight and Finish the Race!”

02/14/2026

Such excellent news!!

Earlier this week, members of Black Shift surprised Local 4773 President Rob Banek(center) to celebrate his 5 year anniversary of beating Hodgkins Lymphoma and now officially being considered cured!

02/03/2026

This past week Budda’s Brotherhood Board of Directors, Mark Bozik and Tony Carlini, had the honor of making a donation to Deputy Chief Brian Kunce of the North Park Fire Protection District, who is currently undergoing treatment for stage 4 cancer. Our thoughts are with you as you fight this battle! Stay Strong and Fight the Good Fight!