Caring for Our Uniformed Rescuers and Armed Guardians Everywhere

Caring for Our Uniformed Rescuers and Armed Guardians EverywhereCaring for Our Uniformed Rescuers and Armed Guardians EverywhereCaring for Our Uniformed Rescuers and Armed Guardians Everywhere

Join us in raising funds for everyday heroes

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Caring for Our Uniformed Rescuers and Armed Guardians Everywhere

Caring for Our Uniformed Rescuers and Armed Guardians EverywhereCaring for Our Uniformed Rescuers and Armed Guardians EverywhereCaring for Our Uniformed Rescuers and Armed Guardians Everywhere

Join us in raising funds for everyday heroes

Donate Now

About Courage Fund

Who We Are

  The COURAGE Fund is dedicated to providing support to military veterans and police officers who have become ill or injured while in active duty. We strive to honor their service by offering financial assistance, medical care, and rehabilitation resources, ensuring they receive the care they deserve as they recover and rebuild their lives. Our mission is to stand by our uniformed heroes, empowering them with the resources and support they need to overcome adversity and continue their legacy of courage and commitment.

The Stats

Our Mission

The number of first responders and military veterans who become injured or sick annually varies widely depending on the specific group and type of injury or illness but here are the estimate

  • First Responders: Tens of thousands of first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and EMS personnel, are injured or become ill annually due to their work.
  • Military Veterans: Hundreds of thousands of veterans suffer from service-connected injuries or illnesses, with millions living with disabilities as a result of their service.


These figures highlight the significant need for support and resources for first responders and veterans dealing with the consequences of their service.   

Firefighters

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 60,000 to 70,000 firefighter injuries are reported annually in the U.S., with the majority occurring during fireground operations. Common injuries include strains, sprains, cuts, and smoke inhalation. Additionally, there are significant long-term health risks, such as cancer, due to exposure to hazardous substances. 

Police Officers

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other sources suggest that tens of thousands of police officers suffer injuries each year in the line of duty, ranging from minor injuries to severe, life-threatening incidents. The BLS reports around 50,000 non-fatal injuries annually among law enforcement officers. These include physical injuries from assaults, accidents, and stress-related conditions.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel

EMS workers also face a high risk of injury, with thousands of cases reported annually. Common issues include back injuries, exposure to infectious diseases, and stress-related conditions.  

Military Veterans

Combat-Related Injuries - According to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA), hundreds of thousands of veterans have sustained injuries in recent conflicts. For instance, since 2001, over 52,000 U.S. service members have been wounded in action in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This includes a wide range of injuries from physical wounds to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). 


Service-Connected Disabilities: The VA reports that millions of veterans receive disability compensation for service-connected injuries or illnesses. As of 2021, there were about 5.3 million veterans receiving disability benefits, with conditions ranging from physical injuries to PTSD and other mental health disorders.


Occupational Illnesses: Veterans are also at risk for long-term health issues related to their service, such as exposure to Agent Orange, Gulf War Syndrome, and illnesses related to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.


Challenges with Accurate Numbers - Why?

  • Underreporting: Many injuries and illnesses, especially mental health conditions like PTSD, are underreported due to stigma or lack of immediate symptoms.
  • Variability in Data: Different organizations and agencies collect and report data differently, making it challenging to get a precise count.

Lewis Lilla Award

Honoring a Legacy of Courage and Compassion

The Lewis Lilla Award is a tribute to a life lived with unwavering courage, compassion, and a commitment to making the world a better place. Established by the Courage Foundation, this award honors the memory of Lewis Lilla, a remarkable individual whose spirit continues to inspire us all.


Lewis was known for his relentless pursuit of justice, his deep empathy for others, and his ability to face adversity with grace and determination. Throughout his life, he demonstrated what it truly means to be courageous—not just in the face of personal challenges, but in standing up for the rights and dignity of others.


The Lewis Lilla Award is presented annually to individuals who embody the values that Lewis held dear. Recipients of this award are those who have shown extraordinary bravery in advocating for change, providing support to the vulnerable, or leading efforts that make a significant impact on their communities. This award is not just a recognition of past achievements but a celebration of ongoing efforts to create a more just and compassionate world.

Through this award, we aim to keep Lewis Lilla’s legacy alive, inspiring future generations to carry forward his vision of courage, empathy, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right.


Lewis held a distinguished career as a Homicide Detective with the New York City Police Department for 14 years. His confidence and determination allowed him to be the successful businessman he was in several corporations that he started, including North Shore Investigations, Affordable Bails NY and Dynamic Protection Group.

Board of Directors

Michael Alber

Michael Alber

Michael Alber

 Michael Alber, the managing partner at Alber Sklavos, PC,  His courtroom prowess has been showcased in cases covered by esteemed publications such as the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the New York Post, and Newsday. 

Eric Clemente

Michael Alber

Michael Alber

Eric Clemente, managing partner of NSE Windows is an award winning and nationally recognized sales and marketing professional with a extraordinary ability to positively motivate those around him with  vision and strategy. 

TBD

Michael Alber

TBD

Coming Soon!

Contact Us

Courage Fund

Huntington, New York, United States

(631) 704-7184

Drop us a line!

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