Firefighter Rings in 2026 Finishing Cancer Treatment
Fire Captain Rusty Grow never imagined that a precautionary medical decision would save his life. At 41 years old, active, healthy and symptom-free, Grow scheduled an early colonoscopy due to the increased cancer risks associated with his job. Firefighters face elevated exposure to carcinogens from smoke, chemicals and toxic environments. His decision led to the early detection of colorectal cancer and ultimately, a better chance of survival.
“I honestly didn’t believe it at first,” Grow said. “I felt great, took care of myself and had no symptoms at all. The reality didn’t fully hit until I thought about having to tell my kids their dad had cancer.”
Grow immediately began an aggressive treatment plan that included chemotherapy infusions and oral chemotherapy pills over four months. Follow up scans led to the next phase of treatment, and on Nov. 18, 2025, he started daily radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy at Moffitt Cancer Center. It required a temporary stay in Tampa away from his children in Charleston, South Carolina.
Cancer reshaped nearly every part of his daily life, but Grow remained committed to staying active and focused on family. When able, he worked out, spent time with loved ones and fished — activities that helped maintain a sense of normalcy during treatment.
A defining milestone came when Grow rang the bell on Jan. 5, symbolizing the completion of treatment. He was the first patient to ring the bell in 2026, a moment that represented resilience, perseverance and hope.
Grow credits his strength to the overwhelming support he received from his family, friends and fire service community. “My kids, parents, siblings, extended family, friends and my entire work family supported me every single day,” he said. “Without them, this journey would have been much harder.”
While his cancer journey began in South Carolina, Grow strongly advocates for treatment at Moffitt, where he says the care exceeded all expectations. “From the valet team to the nurses and doctors, I was treated like family,” Grow shared. “They truly are the best of the best. Every person I encountered cared deeply, and it showed.”
Now, Grow hopes his experience will encourage others, especially firefighters and first responders, to prioritize early cancer screenings and seek the highest quality care available.
