Highland Township Firefighter Walking 140 Miles to Support Firefighters with Cancer
(Lara Mossa, May 7, 2026)
Highland Township, MI – Firefighters have a 15-25% higher rate of cancer than the general population. The risk of cancer is increased due to exposure to known and suspected carcinogens in smoke and modern building materials. Not only is there risk from smoke, there are dangers in fire suppression foams, and even the fire gear itself.
That’s why at least 70 people will be participating in this year’s 8th annual Neighbors United Walk for the Red, a fundraising event for people affected by cancer.
“I think it’s incredible,” said Mike David, 36, of Holly, and a firefighter paramedic for Highland Township Fire Department. “It’s a very humbling experience. It’s very emotional. It’s a very cool experience to be a part of it.”
David will be participating in the Walk for the Red for the fifth year. The four-day, 140- mile trek across Michigan will raise money for firefighters battling cancer, or families who have had someone die from cancer.
The walk starts in Macomb Township and ends in Ada, near Grand Rapids.
This year, 28 firefighters are walking along with 42 family members to raise more than a million dollars. David has been doing part of the trip for four years but this year will be taking on the whole trek, roughly 30 miles a day.
He will be participating in honor of Captain John Pratt, a fellow firefighter who died of leukemia in 2025. In addition, one of Pratt’s children and one of his grandchildren will be participating.
The Walk has raised more than $1.2 million for firefighters and their families. Every dollar raised will go directly to firefighters in Michigan to help cover medical expenses and everyday living costs during their cancer battle. The 2026 walk begins September 10th and will include a memorial for the 25th anniversary of the 9-11 attack on the second day in Howell, and a ceremony for Captain Pratt when they pass through Highland Township.
Some of the walkers including David participate in full turnout gear.
“It’s a very good reason to raise money in my opinion,” David said. “It’s a really cool cause to raise money for people who really need it.”
Each walker is encouraged to raise a minimum of $5,000 for firefighters and their families. Last year, 44 people walked and this year the event is expected to draw 70 participants. With each recipient receiving at least $5,000, last year more than 70 firefighters and their families received support through the program.
Neighbors United, which sponsors the walk, is a nonprofit organization and all of the donations are tax deductible. Donors also will be listed on the Neighbors United Facebook page.
To donate visit https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLBTW8RC27TC0/checkout/HHAZEKZLHIW5U2SK7LTIEUEP
For more information, go to https://www.walkforthered.org.
“This could happen to any of us,” David said. “It means the world to me to do it this year.”
