Gerry's Wish: A Legacy for Local Heroes

Help make Gerry's Wish Come True: A Training Facility for Firefighters from Hemmingford and the surrounding area

Dear friends, family, and community,

We’re reaching out today to share the inspiring story of Gerry McAdam a 15-year-old boy with a heart full of compassion and a spirit that refuses to be extinguished, despite facing unimaginable challenges.

In February 2022, Gerry’s life took a devastating turn when he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer that originates in muscle cells. What started with a small bump on his hand, noticed casually by a friend, turned into weeks of testing, scans, and ultimately the heartbreaking diagnosis. At just 13 years old, Gerry and his family found themselves thrust into a world they never expected—a world of hospital visits, chemotherapy, radiation, and uncertainty about the future.

Since then, Gerry has undergone countless rounds of treatment and spent months in hospitals and doctors’ offices. Despite the heavy toll this illness has taken on his young body, his unwavering strength, courage, and resilience continue to inspire all who know him. Through it all, Gerry has kept an incredibly positive attitude, focusing not on what he’s lost, but on what he can give back.

Gerry's Wish: A Legacy for Local Heroes

When Gerry learned he would be eligible for a wish through Make-A-Wish Canada, he was unsure what to wish for. After some thought, and instead of wishing something for himself, Gerry has chosen to give back to the community he loves. Gerry’s greatest wish is to help build a training facility for the firefighters of the area.

Gerry has always had a deep passion for firefighting, a calling that runs in his blood. As a future volunteer firefighter himself, Gerry has followed in the footsteps of his father, a dedicated firefighter, and his great uncles, one of who is the Fire Chief of Hemmingford. For Gerry, dreams of becoming a firefighter wasn’t just about wearing the uniform—it was about serving his community, being there for people in their time of need, and making a real difference. He knows firsthand how critical proper training is for those who risk their lives to protect others, but currently, training for local volunteer firefighters takes place an hour away from Hemmingford, creating unnecessary barriers for many.

That’s why Gerry’s wish is to build a local training facility where firefighters can train close to home. He would like to purchase multi-purpose container units for firefighter training, where firefighters can practice and train to keep their skills sharp and protect their community. The good news is that the municipality has already approved the project, and the land has been preparedf for the groundbreaking ceremony. With your help, Gerry’s vision of a local training center for Hemmingford’s brave firefighers, with your help will soon become a reality, ensuring that they have the skills and resources to protect the community they love.

Therefore, Gerry’s wish is to create a place where Hemmingford’s firefighters can train, practice, and maintain their skills to better protect and serve the people of our town. The need for such a facility is critical, and it would serve as a lasting tribute to the selflessness of those who put their lives on the line every day. It’s a project that will not only benefit local heroes but also strengthen the entire community.

A Family’s Journey and the Power of Community Support

The McAdam family has been through an unimaginable ordeal, but their bond has never been stronger. Time spent traveling to the hospital and waiting for treatments has led them to reexamine their priorities—family time, care for one another, and deep gratitude for the love and support they’ve received from the Hemmingford community. This fight has not been fought alone. Now, as Gerry faces the toughest part of his journey, he is asking for help not for himself, but for the heroes in his town.

Your Support Makes a Difference

To make Gerry’s wish a reality and build a Training facility in Hemmingford, he needs to raise $100,000. Thanks to the generosity of many, Gerry has already raised $18,000 towards this goal. We need your help to reach the finish line and ensure that Gerry’s wish becomes a legacy in the Fire Service that he holds so dear.

This campaign is not just about honoring Gerry’s wish; it’s about celebrating the spirit of giving, community, and love that defines Hemmingford.

How You Can Help

• Donate: Any amount, no matter how small, will make a difference.

• Share: Spread the word about Gerry’s story and his incredible wish for the community.

• Celebrate Gerry: Gerry’s 16th birthday is on Friday, November 22nd. Let’s show him how much his selflessness has touched our hearts by helping to fund this special cause.

Gerry has shown us what true heroism looks like—not in the form of capes or accolades, but in the quiet courage he gives to others, even when facing the toughest of circumstances. Let’s honor him by supporting his vision for a safer, stronger Hemmingford.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support, your kindness, and your generosity.

With love and gratitude,

The McAdam Family