The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has shared how for Kristina Moon, the tragic loss of her husband in 2022 has sparked a new journey saving lives and honoring his legacy through the Billy Moon Foundation.
Kristina said: “I call the organization my therapy because it lets me talk about Billy, our marriage, and keeps his legacy alive.”
Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) of New York Local 94 member and FDNY firefighter Billy Moon died on Dec. 20, 2022, after a fatal fall at the firehouse. His organ donations saved five lives, including two retired members of the FDNY.
In his honor, the Billy Moon Foundation was established to advocate for organ donation, raise awareness, and support donor and recipient families with essentials like food, lodging and transportation.
Kristina continued: “This foundation has created a lasting legacy in Billy’s name.
“Now I have the opportunity to build on that legacy and show our children the importance of doing what’s right which is something Billy always believed in.”
According to the IAFF, for Kristina, one of the most meaningful parts of the foundation’s mission has been the personal connections it creates.
Kristina spoke to the IAFF of the impact of the foundation in seeing everyday struggles for families of organ donors and receipients.
She shared: “I was recently with a retired FDNY member who had been waiting for a heart transplant. We’d been in touch for months, and he recently called to say he was finally getting his heart.
“Being one of the first people he reached out to meant the world to me and seeing my daughter’s face light up when she understood what that moment meant was truly unforgettable.
“I’ve received calls from families thanking us because they were paying $100 a day to park in New York City, and we were able to ease some of that financial burden. Moments like these reassure me that the foundation is truly on the right path.”
The foundation’s efforts have also helped to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation on a larger scale.
IAFF General President Edward Kelly said: “Because Billy signed up to be an organ donor, five other people are alive today, and through his story and Kristina’s work, countless others are receiving the gift of life.
“Organ donation is an impactful way to make a difference and save lives, and the Billy Moon Foundation is helping spread that important word.”
Kristina spoke of the importance of the IAFF’s support: “Having organizations like the IAFF on board with us shows me that more and more people are picking up on the importance and significance of the message.
“We are all working together to register organ donors and normalize the importance of these conversations.”
Looking ahead, Kristina is working toward expanding the reach of the Billy Moon Foundation as she continues to honor her husband’s memory through life-saving organ donations.
She concluded: “My goal is for us to grow to the point where we never have to say ‘no’ to a family in need.
“Whether it’s food, lodging, or transportation, these are basic necessities during such a difficult time. We want to ensure we can support every family who needs help.”
The IAFF has spotlighted the work of the Billy Moon Foundation in advocating for organ donation. The Foundation was established Kristina Moon in the memory of her late husband, Billy, a UFA of New York Local 94 member and FDNY firefighter.
