Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 fire stations will receive red light sauna therapy units and cold plunges for all 13 stations in the district after receiving a donation from the Cy-Fair Women's Club.
The Cy-Fair Women’s Club, CWC, presented the Cy-Fair Professional Firefighters Charitable Fund $10,000 through its annual Major Project Funding, MPF, for the saunas and cold plunges April 16 at the ESD 9 meeting.
The details
The saunas and cold plunges are expected to arrive by mid-May, Cy-Fair Professional Fire Fighters Association President Chris Fillmore told Community Impact. As the Cy-Fair community continues to grow, Fillmore said organizations such as the CWC show that there is still local support for each other.
“Strong communities don’t happen by accident; they are built through partnership.” CWC member Kim De Lorenzo said at the ESD 9 meeting. “One of the most critical partnerships a community has is with the men and women who protect it.”
The need
Studies and recent government action acknowledge the increased likelihood of long-term negative health effects emergency responders face due to the nature of their work, including:
- Cancer
- Mental health issues
- Heart disease
Red light saunas and cold plunges were the idea decided upon to further the health and wellness of ESD 9 members with the money received, Fillmore said.
Some context
In February, De Lorenzo notified the Cy-Fair Professional Firefighters Charitable Fund that she nominated the organization for the CWC 2026 Major Project Funding, formally known as Adopt-A-Cause.
CWC Public Relations Chair Patricia Swagerty told Community Impact that in order to decide who receives funding, members of the MPF committee follow these steps:
- Select a local 501(c)(3) organization for funding consideration.
- Consult with representatives to help identify appropriate projects.
- Narrow down the 10-15 applicants to two finalists with brief pitches.
- Finalists are presented at a club meeting for member Q&A and voting.
Swagerty said the organizations chosen for consideration are usually those that a member has a personal connection to.
Why it matters
Even as someone who lives in the community, Swagerty said it’s sometimes challenging to be aware of everything the community needs. Swagerty said she looks forward to discovering organizations that may not be new to the community, but are new to CWC.
“This grant represents more than a donation,” De Lorenzo said. “It’s a statement of respect, gratitude, and a shared responsibility. A reminder that this community sees you, values each and every one of you, and stands with you.”
