Day in and day out, we answer the calls of people who are in great need of our help. At times, it may even give us a feeling of invincibility. Then something usually happens that wakes us up. Yesterday was one of those days for the Portage Fire Department. Firefighter Brad Wilson (23 year veteran) was diagnosed with third stage lung cancer. For those who know Brad, he has faced many uphill battles in which he has always come out on top. This time, it will be the fight of his life.

 

I know that there are a lot of questions that you may have and hopefully I will be able to address some of them. For many of them though, the answers are just unknown and will be revealed in time. The family has requested no visitors or phone calls for now. Please respect their request for privacy.

 

The plan right now is for him to go to see a specialist at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas for some clinical research treatment. Fortunately, the specialist is covered under our current health plan. Brad may be going to Texas in the coming week or so to start his treatment.

 

We are going to have to pull together as a family to help him out.  For starters, Brad will not be able to work his shift. We need to cover him until September 23^rd (when he will reach 18 weeks for Long Term Disability). This is a lot to ask a small group but if we break it down, it is only 12 hours a month for C/A shift. In July, when B shift is on their 54 hour cycle, they will be able to work their 54 hour day for Brad.

 

Another thing that we can help Brad with is some needed work around his house. The family has not mentioned this; however, we know that there is a yard to mow, gardening to be done, and a pool to be kept up. 

 

Finally, we need to think about how we can help raise money for the family. There will be costly travel, housing and general living expenses that must be faced. I am going to work on getting a trust fund set up at a bank on Monday to start asking for donations. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions on a fund raiser please let us know.   

 

As more information is available, we will try to keep everyone updated.

 

 

Rick Nason

President PPFFU