Casey Budlong and his family

Hey everyone my name is James Snell with the La Grande Airtanker Base. Unfortunately, as many of us already know, Casey's brain cancer has returned and as I'm typing this message Casey is undergoing open brain surgery. Casey has over 20 years working in wildland fire for the US Forest Service, with the last 5 years working at the La Grande Airtanker Base. He began his service as a wildland firefighter in his hometown of Detroit Lake, OR and went on to serve at various locations in Eastern Oregon, including 8 years with La Grande Hotshots. Katy Budlong, his wife, has expressed expenses for medical bills not covered by insurance will be at least $30,000. For this reason, we here at the La Grande Airtanker Base have decided to start up a GoFundMe to assist the Budlong's with their out-of-pocket costs. The length of Casey's post-surgery recovery is unknown at this point. Your donations will help cover medical expenses, hotel stays, and gas money for travel between La Grande and Portland, among any other expenses that may arise during his rehabilitation. Please consider donating, a gift of any amount would mean the world for the Budlong's.

MESSAGE FROM KATY,

Casey Budlong was diagnosed with Brain Cancer in August 2018 and underwent two brain surgeries, six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy, and then another five months of intensive chemotherapy. Casey recovered remarkably well and faced the challenge with positivity and humor. Unfortunately, in April 2023, he developed a bad headache and lost peripheral vision in his left eye. A trip to the ER and a CAT scan revealed a new tumor located right-rear; the first tumor was right-front. The ER doctors immediately referred Casey back to OHSU, and he has gotten further tests and is working on getting surgery scheduled. So, surrounded by an amazing support system of family and friends and an exceptional medical team, Casey will once again face this challenge.