MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, Please Respond by Supporting Don!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Service, Family, Friends, and Kind-hearted Strangers,

With heavy hearts, we share urgent news about our beloved friend and brother in service, Donald. A dedicated Volunteer Firefighter, EMT, and former Texas Department of Criminal Justice Correctional and Safety Officer, Don has spent decades selflessly serving our community, always the first to lend a helping hand in times of need. His unwavering commitment and devotion to others have positively impacted countless lives. Now, he faces a battle we never could have predicted—one that requires the same strength he has always shown.

Don's journey in service began in 1993 when he became an EMT in Massachusetts. He worked tirelessly for the Boston Ambulance Squad. His dedication to the community continued as he additionally provided emergency medical standby services for numerous high schools in the state. In 1998, he joined a small but growing security company, where he dedicated himself for over 15 years. During this time, he gained significant experience in emergency response and disaster planning for numerous Fortune 500 companies. Don even had the unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience of holding and carrying the Vince Lombardi Trophy from the stadium to the tour bus, handing it off to league legends Belichick and Brady.

Don and his wife Sharon, the love of his life, relocated to Texas in 2014, where he joined the Washington Volunteer Fire Department. From 2014 to 2018, Don fought fires and pursued his passion for training, completing the Firefighter One course and attending TEEX (Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services—providers of training and technical assistance in emergency response, law enforcement, and workforce development) training. During this time, Don was actively involved in designing and fundraising for the department's second station, which speaks volumes about his commitment to enhancing local safety infrastructure.

In 2016, Don joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a Correctional Officer. This high-pressure role showcased his ability to handle challenging situations. In 2018, he transitioned to a position as Safety Officer, later becoming the Unit Risk Manager, where he leveraged his extensive emergency response and disaster planning knowledge to oversee the safety and well-being of staff and inmates.

Following his desire to serve the community, new opportunities led Don to the Todd Mission Volunteer Fire Department in 2020. Warmly welcomed by all, he has continued to hone his fire service skills, earning multiple certifications, including establishing himself as a state and national registered EMT.

Today, however, after being recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Don faces perhaps the most challenging fight of his life. Known for his strength and resilience, for more than twenty-five years, Don has always been among the first to step forward in times of crisis, whether rushing into a burning building, searching briar-infested terrain for a lost toddler, providing urgent medical care, or offering support and guidance to those in need. It's our turn to stand by him as he and Sharon confront this unimaginable challenge.

The mounting medical expenses for needed therapeutic procedures and assistive care are a heavy burden for Don and Sharon as they bravely face what is before them. We aim to raise at least $20,000 to ease their financial strain. Every dollar raised goes directly to cover treatment costs and relieve some of the daily struggles they are enduring during this excruciatingly heart-aching phase of life. No matter how small, every contribution will help during this challenging time.

Coming together as a community of family, friends, and first responders, we can show Don and Sharon that they are not in this fight alone. Your donation is not just a financial contribution; it's a lifeline of support. Please consider sharing this campaign with others to broaden our collective efforts and impact.

Don has always been there for us—through fires, medical emergencies, and personal struggles. It's our turn to ensure he knows a whole community is standing beside him, ready to offer our love, support, and assistance.

We understand that you have many demands on your time and resources, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity and compassion. Your support will significantly impact Don and Sharon's lives as they navigate this unthinkable journey. Thank you in advance for your kindness and support.

With profound gratitude,

TMVFD Crew