Here at Loose Topics we are constantly talking about "THE BROTHERHOOD". It is that special bond that is developed between firefighters that is only shared by a small group around the world. This bond is not just between the firefighters themselves, but also between their families.
We talk all the time about how this service was built on the tradition of family. Brothers and sisters and their families helping each other in any way possible.
Today I want to tell you about a former firefighter from the city of Norfolk, her name is Sara Jones. Sara is a medically retired firefighter. Recently Sara received some not so great news. A recent PET scan revealed that Sara's cancer has both grown in the places it was before and spread to other parts of her body that were previously cancer free. These areas include her chest and liver. The part that shocked me the most was that this is not Sara's first battle with cancer, please continue reading...
Conventional cancer treatments will no longer work for Sara, her best shot at beating cancer this time will come from unconventional treatments. The place Sara and her family have chosen to receive her treatments is the Dr. Burzynski clinic in Houston, Texas.
As we mentioned before Sara is a medically retired firefighter, so she is on a fixed income. Sara does work but mostly volunteer work for Old Dominion University. Now just to get Sara in the door of the Burzynski clinic will cost her $25,000 dollars and this does not include any supplemental cost like medicines. This is where Sara needs the help of her extended family, her brothers and sisters, her fellow firefighters and all the caring people we may know. Let me continue with Sara's story first....
Actually I will let Sara tell you her story. These are her words, this is her story...
"I will never forget September 2001: Not only was I mourning the loss of my firefighting brothers and sisters in the terrorist attacks on the twin towers; I was waiting to find out if I had a life threatening disease: breast cancer. I was dealing with all sorts of emotions. How would this impact my career as a firefighter? As my fellow firefighters and I awaited the call to ground zero, I received the dreaded news, and my reality became the fact that I had my own ground zero to fight right here, inside my own body. Little did I know that I was to embark on a journey of reinventing myself along the way, physically, mentally and spiritually...redefining myself as a whole.
Surrender to whatever it takes, even twice. Life is about survival. What does that mean? Here I am, 28 years old, with aggressive breast cancer and given less than 50% chance of survival. Best shape of my life; a firefighter; a gym owner. Breast cancer - not a death sentence! My second chance at life, OK lets fight. "WHATEVER IT TAKES" ... COURAGE! Bi-lateral mastectomy, 6 months of chemo, 9 reconstructive surgeries. 4 years cancer free. Almost to 5...the magic number. Recurrence, 33 years old! My worst fear becomes reality. Fight again. Surgery, more reconstruction. Move to Houston, TX, radiation, burnt, scarred. Death sentence...NO WAY. 3rd chance at life. And then more news- stage 4 breast cancer that had now metastasized to the bones. GIVE UP? Oh No - My purpose...fight the battle for everyone, pay it forward..."WHATEVER IT TAKES!" COURAGE!" - SLJ
Surrender to whatever it takes, even twice. Life is about survival. What does that mean? Here I am, 28 years old, with aggressive breast cancer and given less than 50% chance of survival. Best shape of my life; a firefighter; a gym owner. Breast cancer - not a death sentence! My second chance at life, OK lets fight. "WHATEVER IT TAKES" ... COURAGE! Bi-lateral mastectomy, 6 months of chemo, 9 reconstructive surgeries. 4 years cancer free. Almost to 5...the magic number. Recurrence, 33 years old! My worst fear becomes reality. Fight again. Surgery, more reconstruction. Move to Houston, TX, radiation, burnt, scarred. Death sentence...NO WAY. 3rd chance at life. And then more news- stage 4 breast cancer that had now metastasized to the bones. GIVE UP? Oh No - My purpose...fight the battle for everyone, pay it forward..."WHATEVER IT TAKES!" COURAGE!" - SLJ
What we here at Loose Topics are asking is to help Sara get to Houston. This can be done by making a small donation to the GET "JONESY" TO HOUSTON FUND. If you can not make a donation that is quite alright, we understand that times are tough economically for everyone. You can also help her get there by spreading the word of her battle she is now facing. With loads of prayers, thoughts, and any donations we can make Sara will get to Houston.
The firefighter brotherhood/sisterhood, families included, is a special bond that is hard to explain or express in words. It is something that has no boundaries, no matter the country, state, or city you are in. It is not just about the job of being a firefighter, it is about the pride we take in our work and our families. It is about sharing life experiences and taking care of each other whenever and however we can. We here at Loose Topics are setting off the tones, sounding the alarm, ringing the bells, and asking for you to please share Sara's story and help in any way you can. It does not have to be through money, Sara and her family need prayers and thoughts to help them through this battle...
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