New York Community Rallies for Firefighter's Daughter with Rare Brain Cancer

St. John's basketball and New York Knicks legends join Firefighters Foundation to support 4-year-old Izzy Cashion's cancer treatment

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The New York City Firefighters Foundation and New York Knicks greats Allan Houston and John Starks gathered at a special event on Friday to show support for 4-year-old Izzy Cashion, the daughter of FDNY Lt. Tim Cashion, as she battles a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer called DIPG. Izzy is heading to Stanford University on Saturday to begin a two-month medical trial, and the community has rallied to help the Cashion family with housing and other needs during this difficult time.

Why it matters

The event highlights the strong community support for FDNY families in New York City, especially when they are facing serious health challenges off the line of duty. It also shines a light on the rare and devastating DIPG cancer that Izzy is fighting, which has a very poor prognosis but is the focus of ongoing research and experimental treatments.

The details

Izzy Cashion was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, at an FDNY company picnic last August. Her father, Lt. Tim Cashion, serves with Engine 46 in New York City. The event at the Fluer Room in Manhattan on Friday was organized by the New York City Firefighters Foundation and featured appearances from Knicks legends Allan Houston and John Starks to rally support for the Cashion family as Izzy prepares to travel to Stanford University for a two-month medical trial.

  • Izzy Cashion was diagnosed with DIPG at an FDNY company picnic last August.
  • The community event was held on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • Izzy is heading to Stanford University on Saturday, February 7, 2026 to begin a two-month medical trial.

The players

Izzy Cashion

The 4-year-old daughter of FDNY Lt. Tim Cashion who is battling a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer called DIPG.

Lt. Tim Cashion

An FDNY firefighter with Engine 46 whose daughter Izzy is fighting DIPG cancer.

New York City Firefighters Foundation

An organization that provides help and support to FDNY families facing challenges off the line of duty.

Allan Houston

A former New York Knicks superstar who attended the event to show support for the Cashion family.

John Starks

A former New York Knicks great who also attended the event to rally around Izzy Cashion.

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What they’re saying

“They are so humbled by the community outreach that has shown up just to help them get housing for the next two months while they stand there with their daughter as she goes through a very long two-month battle.”

— Mimi Coluccio, Managing Director of the New York City Firefighters Foundation (nypost.com)

“I think it really speaks to St. John's community to the New York community as a whole to John Starks, and to Allan Houston for showing up for this event because I think it shows how much firefighters mean to New York City and how we don't forget.”

— TJ McManus, Managing Partner of Sullivan Papain (nypost.com)

What’s next

Izzy Cashion is heading to Stanford University on Saturday, February 7, 2026 to begin a two-month medical trial for her rare DIPG brain cancer.

The takeaway

The outpouring of support from the New York community, including sports legends and the Firefighters Foundation, demonstrates the deep appreciation and care for FDNY families, especially when they are facing devastating health challenges like Izzy Cashion's battle with DIPG cancer. This event highlights the power of community to rally around those in need during the most difficult of times.