When you look at the men and women of your Los Angeles Fire Department, it can be easy to think they have no greater challenge than the daily work before them. It may be equally difficult to imagine those in uniform facing critical health issues involving their own families.

It has been said that a firefighter never walks alone.

For more than 16 years, LAFD Engineer Danny Lopez has awakened long before dawn each duty day, grateful to hear words of inspiration from his loving wife Amanda, as he set forth to put the needs, and if necessary the lives of other Angelenos ahead of his own. 

Like many firefighter spouses, Amanda Cruz Lopez has been a hero in her own right, not only managing a household with their three amazing children, but also serving as an adored elementary school teacher (sometimes firefighters do marry their heroes), with a smile that could easily light a room.

An amazing woman, wife, mother, daughter and friend, she has truly been a beloved hub of extended family relationships within and beyond the fire service.

In February 2021, the Lopez family received the devastating news that Amanda would enter the biggest battle of her life, having been diagnosed with stage III Breast Cancer. This would begin a 20-month battle of continuous treatment.

While there were moments of hope that she would make a full recovery, on July 21, 2022 Amanda received the unfortunate news that her cancer had metastasized to her brain. 

Though Amanda bravely fought with every fiber of her body, on October 7, 2022 at age 40, surrounded by her loved ones, Amanda Cruz Lopez closed her eyes and entered eternal life.

She is survived by her husband Danny, son Benjamin (10), and daughters Camila (6) and Juliana (4). They wish to thank the many who stood closely in assisting them, including friends, neighbors and LAFD families who lent support through the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association. 

Slideshow above - See Full LAFD #LetsBeatCancerForAmanda Album

In honor of Amanda Lopez the men and women of LAFD have dedicated the month of October to her legacy. Despite their heartache, firefighters citywide are honoring Amanda’s life and remembering her amazing spirit during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

The LAFD joins the Lopez family in hoping that Amanda’s passing will not be in vain. With the many advances of breast cancer screening that can save a life, through self-exam, regular mammograms and genetic testing for women who may have a pre-disposition and family history, they ask you to please take the preventative steps necessary in Amanda's honor, and join them in saying: #LetsBeatCancerForAmanda 

UPDATE: The men and women of LAFD ask you to join them at a Family Block Party on Sunday, December 4, 2022 (Noon to 5 PM) in Encino, to support Amanda's Family. All are welcome! Learn more here.