Firefighter Andres Rodrigues Fundraiser

Firefighter Andres Rodriguez cancer recovery fund.

Thank you for taking the time in reading our post, and we hope everyone and their families are staying healthy and safe during these difficult times.

We are raise funds for our friend and co-worker Andres Rodriguez. In February, Andres was diagnosed with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. There was a mass on his spine and doctors recommended chemotherapy and radiation for treatment. Within days Andres had to return to the doctors because he discovered a lump on his neck and started to have difficulty walking. What they found was a second tumor on his neck, and the one on his spine had grown so fast it was putting pressure on his spinal cord. Surprised, the doctors ordered Andres treatments to begin immediately in heavier doses, and with more frequent intervals than previously prescribed. So far it has been a tough fight, but Andres is always in good spirits and never complains. He has accepted and is bravely facing his circumstances, along with the difficult recovery in front of him. Although he has the full support of his family and friends, Andres says not being able to have visitors and the company of loved ones physically around him because of Covid-19 and his weakened immune system is the hardest part.

Andres is 32 years old and has dedicated his professional life to public service. He has served the City of New York as a member of the FDNY for 8 years. Andres had spent the first 6 years as a paramedic, and now serves as a firefighter. Andres is a proud, hardworking person who’s always held two jobs to support his family. When Andres wasn’t working with us, he was picking up hours as a luggage handler at LaGuardia Airport on his days off. During this time Andres income has been greatly reduced. As you can imagine the demand and increased responsibility placed on Andres wife Paola has removed her ability to work. The hard decision was made she was needed more at home to focus on assisting her husband and care for their three children.

This fundraiser has been established to help ease the financial burden on Andres and his family. We want them to be able to focus all their efforts on his recovery, without worrying about the financial stresses. All the funds raised will be used to help to pay off the accumulating bills and assist his family while he fights through this difficult time. Any amount you can donate would be greatly appreciated in helping us support this truly thoughtful, and humble brother of ours.

Thanks again,
Take care and be safe.