GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – Firefighters have gone from fighting fires to fighting alongside a family in their battle against breast cancer.
The Goose Creek Rural Fire Department and Goose Creek City firefighters hosted a chili cook-off fundraiser at the station at 907 Red Bank Rd. on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Twelve firefighters and first responders entered the competition in hopes of winning for a good cause.
“We feel that an event like this would show the family that there is a sense of brotherhood. Nobody should have to go through this alone,” said Goose Creek firefighter Jason Healy, an event organizer. “We social media blasted it and tried to get support from anyone we could.”
Firefighters not only organized the chili cook-off, they donated several items for a raffle ticket drawing and collected food donations. Goose Creek Rural Department Chief Robert Maibach opened his station for the event.
“This was important for everyone in the fire service. We don’t do anything alone. No matter what color your jersey is, you’re all on one team,” said Chief Maibach. “It is the holidays. It’s not supposed to be a time where you have to think about these things.”
An estimated 100-150 people came out to the event. The Wyman family says they were blown away by the support. Tricia Wyman describes her diagnosis, which she received back in September, as a complete shock.
“It was very devestating,” said Tricia Wyman. “It was triple positive. I have chemo, surgery, and other treatments I’ll have to go through until October of next year.”
The 37-year-old mother of two has been undergoing chemotherapy. She continues her work as an operator at the Berkeley County dispatch center. Her husband Justin, a Goose Creek firefighter, has been alongside her through the treatment.
“You never expect it to be you. I remember that first night she felt that lump and said ‘Hey, something is not cool’,” husband Justin added.
When Justin’s firefighter brothers heard of the family’s troubles, they stepped up to help out. The news spread quickly among firefighters across the area, and they came out just because they heard it was one of their own in need.
“I wanted to help them. We are all first responders. We all work together. She’s a dispatcher. He’s a fireman,” said North Charleston firefighter Matt Lawless said.
In the end, the competition winner was Christian Poole, representing Goose Creek Volunteer Rural Fire Department. Organizers say it was a fun event and it raised much more money than they expected.
Would you like to help the Wyman family in their fight against breast cancer? If so, you can donate to their GoFundMe account below:
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