VOLUNTEER Firefighter Barry S. with Lung Cancer

Hi everyone, this is my husband, Barry. He was a VOLUNTEER Firefighter at White Lake NC. Our world change September 29, 2022 when we learned Barry has Lung Cancer. Any donations will be used for medical and travel expenses that will continue through May when his treatments stop. His cancer itself and the expenses after insurance are so much more than we ever anticipated.

Barry loved being a Firefighter for our small community. He worked hard training and taking firefighting classes until he made Captain all while working full time as most volunteers do. He had a passion for it and he was admired by many for his dedication.

We moved to Tennessee in 2019 to enjoy life and slow down a bit. Barry decided not to join a fire department here because he was having a little trouble breathing but was passing all breathing tests. In 2021 Barry had a cold but keep a nagging cough, still couldn't find a reason. In September of 2022, he got a new Nurse Practitioner who had been in firefighting herself and had a hunch. Thank GOD she did! He went for a scan and on September 29, 2022 was diagnosed with lung cancer. It has been a whirlwind since that day.

Barry was supposed to have VATS (video assisted surgery), the surgeon found the cancer was worse than scans showed and had to open him from the breast to spine. The surgeon removed the top lobe of his right lung, a wedge from the bottom lobe, part of ribs 3 and 4, and a good portion of his chest wall in that area. He also removed lymph nodes that were questionable but negative for cells. The cancer was in the ribs and had attached to his spine. He said if Barry had not been in overall good health, he wouldn't have made it off his table.

Barry is going through 10 rounds of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation ( 5 days a week) all of which are about an hour from home. His recovery from the surgery itself is 18-24 months due to them having to cut through muscles and nerves and his pain is unbearable at times.

We are fortunate that his insurance is helping some, but the out of pocket is starting to take a toll and will just continue through May when he is done. I work part time, therefore I am able to take Barry back and forth to treatments and take care of him when he is sick.

We are hard working people, so asking for help has been a hard decision for us. I can tell you this experience has been been very humbling. Thank for reading our story, any help will be greatly appreciated!

Also if you are a volunteer firefighter, thank you for your service. If at all possible, make sure you have cancer coverage with your insurance!