East Valley Firefighter Charities, Inc.

Dear friends, family, and community,

I'm reaching out to you today with a heavy heart to share the unexpected journey that my husband, Matt Kobylinski, our family, and I are facing. Matt has served with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department for 23 years, currently serves as a Ladder Captain and paramedic and has dedicated his life to serving and protecting our community.

Just a few months ago, our world was turned upside down when Matt was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Shockingly, this diagnosis came without any prior symptoms, discovered only through a routine screening. Since then, our lives have revolved around countless doctor's appointments, tests, and treatments. Matt underwent surgery to remove a portion of his colon and is currently undergoing intense chemotherapy, requiring several appointments per week in Phoenix.

As we navigate this challenging journey, our family continues to lean on each other for support. My husband and I, high school sweethearts celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in June, are the proud parents of four incredible children: Ashley, Brayden, Abby, and Micah.

Ashley, our eldest at 23, is pursuing her master's degree in mechanical engineering in California. Brayden, 20, is following in his father's footsteps as a firefighter recruit with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, recently beginning his journey at the academy. Abby, 17, is a senior in high school actively involved in the East Valley Fire Cadet Program, aspiring to attend the Mesa Fire and Medical Aspire Academy. And Micah, our youngest at 15, came into our lives through the foster care system at age 8. Despite facing numerous challenges, including mental health issues requiring hospitalizations and intensive outpatient programs, Micah continues to inspire us with his resilience and strength.

Throughout this ordeal, the financial strain has been immense. I've exhausted all my vacation days to accompany Matt to chemotherapy sessions and care for Micah, which has forced me to miss work and placed a significant burden on our family.

Despite the challenges, Matt remains determined to fight this battle with everything he has. He's not only fighting for himself but also to advocate for other firefighters and individuals battling cancer. His ultimate goal is to return to the fire truck, side by side with our son Brayden once he completes the academy, and to be present for all the milestones and moments with our family.

Your support means the world to us as we navigate this difficult journey. Whether it's a donation, a kind word, or simply keeping us in your thoughts and prayers, every bit of support makes a difference. Together, we can help Matt beat cancer and continue to be the loving husband, father, and firefighter he was meant to be.

Thank you for standing with us in this fight.

With gratitude,

Sara Kobylinski

**Support for Firefighter Paul Shupe and Family**

For nearly 20 years, Paul Shupe has dedicated his life to protecting and serving his community as a firefighter. A loving father to four children—Gilbert, Andrew, Bailee, and Gabriel—and husband to Nancy, a devoted dispatcher of 10 years. Paul has been a hero both at home and on the job. Now, this incredible family needs our support.

Recently, Paul was rushed to the hospital after experiencing stroke-like symptoms. After having multiple seizures and undergoing a CT scan, doctors discovered a large mass in his brain. As Paul faces this unexpected and challenging health crisis, his road to recovery will likely be long and challenging.

Paul and family need us to rally behind him and show them what this Fire Family is all about. Your contribution—no matter the size—will help ease the burden on Paul and Nancy, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: Paul’s recovery and the well-being of their family.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Let’s come together to support our MFMD brother and friend who has given so much to others.

**Every donation counts.** Please keep Paul, Nancy, and their children in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

100% of donations will be delivered to the Shupe family. East Valley Firefighter Charities is a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Mesa, AZ. EIN #20-5187068

Christine Allred comes from an incredible family dedicated to serving others. Prior to 2001, when Christine began her teaching career, she worked for the United States Forest Service as a wildland firefighter. There, she met the love of her life and fellow wildland firefighter, Jason Allred.

Christine may have shifted careers to teach, but her desire to serve others has remain unwavering. As for Jason, he served for 10 years as a wildland firefighter before joining Mesa Fire where he still works today.

Together, Christine and Jason have 3 amazing children, Theresa, Tyler, and Shannon. Theresa is currently going to NAU to become a teacher, Tyler is planning on going to NAU to study cyber security, and Shannon is eyeing the Air Force. Suffice to say that the Allred’s pride themselves on service to others.

Unfortunately, on August 1 st, 2023, Christine found out that she had colorectal cancer. Just two days later, she was told that it had metastasized. Let’s help Christine teach cancer a lesson so she can get back to teaching others. Any funds raised will help Christine and her family as they battle this cancer together.

100% of the proceeds from this campaign will go to EVFC and then given to the Allred family.

Tanner comes from a firefighting family. His father is a retired Mesa Firefighter. His Sister is a Mesa Fire and Medical Department dispatcher.

Unfortunately, one risk of our firefighting job is contracting cancer. Tanner just received the news he has Hodgkin's lymphoma. With this new diagnosis, Tanner will soon begin his cancer treatment.

He is married with a young son and a baby on the way. Any funds raised will help provide financial stability for Tanner and his family while he battles cancer.

100% of the proceeds from this campaign will go to EVFC and then given to Tanner and his family.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit East Valley Firefighter Charities, Inc., and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about East Valley Firefighter Charities, Inc.: We support the respective communities for charitable needs. We support State and National charitable causes. We raise funds in support of our charitable activities to promote good will through those lives we are able to touch