Posts Tagged benefit for firefighter battling cancer

Cortland Fire Department news

benefit for firefighter

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Joliet Fire Department news

Excerpts from the Herald-News.com:

Krissi Carroll, wife of Shawn Carroll, a 16-year lieutenant paramedic with the Joliet Fire Department, said a routine chest X-ray showed Shawn’s cancer had returned.

In 2012, Shawn was diagnosed with liposarcoma, a rare cancer of fat tissue, but he went in remission three and a half years ago and continued to receive regular checkups. Six months ago he had a perfectly normal CT scan, but six weeks ago, he had a routine chest X-ray that was not normal.

“The next day we learned he had a tumor, about 10 centimeters, that had developed since his prior exam,” Krissi said. “He was back to work with full duties, no complications or problems. Now he’s undergoing chemo.”

The tumor is located just outside Shawn’s lungs. In a few weeks, Shawn’s doctors will do another CT to ensure the tumor is shrinking. The goal is to prevent the tumor from invading Shawn’s lungs and to reduce its size so it can be surgically removed.

“His doctor fully expects him to recover from this and be back to work within a year,” she said.

Mike Singler, a firefighter/paramedic who works at Station 1 with Shawn, said the entire department is doing everything possible to support Shawn and his family physically, mentally, emotionally and financially.

In addition to raising funds for the family – $10,000 so far between collecting at the firehouse and the GoFundMe webpage the firefighters started – Singler said firefighters have also made numerous phone calls and visits, sent emails, invited Shawn to break bread with them at work, kept him abreast of their calls, and even raked leaves and cut the grass.

“This week we’re going to get the Christmas decorations out of the attic and help his wife decorate the house,” Singler said.

It’s this support that’s keeping Shawn going. “It helped me beat cancer and I’m confident it’s going to help me beat it again,” Shawn said.

“Every day I went to work with a smile on my face even though I knew it could be a tough day,” he said. “We’re helping people in their lowest time of need. We know what we’re doing is good.”

Shawn’s cancer battle began in October 2012. Neither one heard of liposarcoma before his diagnosis.

Fortunately, the tumor was localized and encapsulated. Doctors removed it and then Shawn underwent radiation. This second round of cancer is more challenging. Shawn is experiencing some nausea and nerve pain at the tumor site as the chemo cuts off the tumor’s blood supply.

Still, Shawn’s doctors are very optimistic.

“He is only 37 years old, and it’s much easier when you’re young to fight a cancer like this,” Krissi said. “However, it’s a very aggressive cancer.”

Krissi said firefighters are at increased risk for cancer. A recent study underscores her concern. From 2010 to 2015, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health studied 30,000 firefighters and found an increased risk of certain types of cancer, mostly digestive, oral, respiratory, and urinary cancers.

Krissi and Shawn both exhort firefighters to shower and wash their gear as soon as possible after fighting a fire to reduce their exposure to dirt and chemicals.

“It’s always been a badge of honor to have dirty gear,” Krissi said, “but they need to keep those carcinogens off them.”

 

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Benefit for Schaumburg FF Mike Solberg is today

The benefit for Mike Solberg is today

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From SolbergFamilyFund.com:

 SUPPORT SOLBERG

Join us Sunday, December 13th between 10 am and 5 pm at Durty Nellie’s in Palatine. 

All proceeds from the event will donated to the Solberg family

$20 donation at he door, includes food and the bands. There will be a cash bar available.

Raffles – Silent Auctions – 50 / 50

Chicago Bears VS Washington Redskins at noon on the TVs

Art Beat Live will be creating a painting or two during halftime of the Bears game that will then be auctioned off live.

There will be two bands playing the event.

Durty Nellie’s – 180 N Smith St, Palatine, IL 60067

The Mosquitos will be playing from 10:30 to 12:00 

Terrapin Flyer will be playing from 3:30 to 5:00 

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Benefit for Schaumburg FF Mike Solberg

Greetings,

As some of you may or may not have heard, Mike Solberg, one of the guys on our department, has been battling brain cancer since he first got sworn in three years ago. Since diagnosed, he has been working shifts, raising his 4 year old daughter, and being one of the greatest guys I know, despite battling stage four brain cancer.  Sadly, in June Mike had to return to Northwestern, and have a second brain surgery, as the cancer had come back and spread with a vengeance. The last surgery left Mike paralyzed on the left side and unable to return to the job he absolutely LOVES.

So, with that being said, we are throwing him a benefit at Dirty Nellies (in Palatine) on December 13th, with hopes of raising enough money to help with medical bills, and help his family for years to come.  He is an amazing guy, with and amazing spirit and family! I hope that you all can forward this email out to all of your guys and gals, send it to friends, fellow firemen or anyone looking to help someone and have a good time!  I have attached the event flyer, but later this week we will also be obtaining 11×17 inch posters to post at fire departments.  However, until then, it would be great of you to forward this to your departments and help us spread the word for Mike.

I have attached the event flyer for more information regarding the event.  Have a great week and please call or email me, anytime with any questions regarding this event. 😉

My best,

Jenna Werdell

Schaumburg FD & NIPSTA Fire Academy instructor

Solberg benefit flyer

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