Kidney & Urology Foundation Honoring CP’s Peter Meade

Friday, 20 January 2012 00:00

Community activist overcame prostate, bladder cancer

Chief Peter W. Meade of Carle Place, retired Assistant Chief Fire Marshal for Fire and Rescue Services for the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office, will be honored by the Kidney & Urology Foundation of America (KUFA) at its inaugural “Top 25 Champions for a Cure” Reception Benefit on Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. The awards reception, hosted by The Woodlands Country Club, Woodbury, will honor 25 worthy advocates who have been afflicted by, committed to education, or dedicated to finding a cure for prostate cancer and/or kidney disease.

“We are pleased to honor Chief Meade as one of the top 25 individuals who has done so much for prostate cancer and kidney disease,” noted Tracey Gittere, 2012 event chairperson and president of Legendary Events, Inc. of Carle Place.

Meade is a retired assistant chief fire marshal for Fire and Rescue Services for the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office. Married since 1981 to Peggy (nee Higginson), they have two children, Colleen and Brian. Peter is a veteran of active duty in the United States Marine Corps, a 45-year member of the Great Neck Alert volunteer Fire Company, a six-year trustee of the Carle Place Union Free School District Board of Education (2001-2007), former director of the Carle Place Civic Association and one-time little league coach and manager. He has been involved in community affairs all his adult life and continues to serve on the Carle Place High School Scholarship Committee.

He is employed part time by Jacobs Global Buildings North America as a technical specialist. He has been a public fire safety education specialist (part time) for the Nassau County Fire Service Academy since 1985. Meade graduated from Saint Mary’s College Preparatory High School in Manhasset and is currently in his last semester of study toward a Bachelor of Science degree in community and human services with a concentration in emergency management at SUNY Empire State College. The Meades have resided in Carle Place since 1982.

Peter was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005, had a radical prostatectomy, subsequent radiation and ongoing chemo treatments for residual PSA. He later developed bladder cancer and has had several surgeries for the removal of surface tumors. At the present time both cancers are under control with aggressive treatment, the love and support of a caring family and the care and concern of some wonderful doctors.

He has been a significant fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life over the past four years.

Kidney & Urology Foundation of America (KUFA) is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping people with kidney and urologic diseases and individuals waiting for organ and tissue transplants. Kidney disease in this country has reached epidemic proportions due to an increase in diabetes, hypertensive disease, and obesity. Nearly 500,000 Americans have irreversible kidney failure and require dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. Urologic diseases include prostate cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in men in the United States. Painful kidney stones and urinary tract infections account for millions of physician and hospital visits each year. The Kidney & Urology Foundation focuses on care and support of the patient, the concerns of those at risk, education for the community and medical professionals, methods of prevention, and improved treatment options.

To donate on Chief Meade’s behalf, visit www.supportchiefpetermeade.eventbrite.com. For more information, call Legendary Events, 222-0550, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .a