Ohio Fire Fighters Aid Local President With Cancer

July 22, 2008 – Monroe, OH Local 3824 fire fighters raised more than $2,800 during the July 4 weekend at the “Light Up the Sky” festival to benefit the Kenny Ellis Cancer Fund. Ellis, president of Local 3824, was diagnosed with cancer in April.

At the festival, Local 3824 fire fighters filled the boot and hosted a booth where they sold Italian sausage sandwiches, corn on the cob, funnel cakes and drinks. Fire fighters from Liberty Township Local 4394 and Middletown Local 336 also sent members to help with the event.

Ellis, 52, has a fourth-stage malignant glioma. “The Monroe fire fighters have always supported each other,” he says. “But I never thought I’d be the one who needed assistance. Their support has been a tremendous help to me and my family.”

A father of seven, Ellis was diagnosed with cancer after seeking medical attention for a series of intense headaches. Since then, a post-radiation treatment MRI has shown that Ellis’ tumor may be shrinking.

Fortunately, Local 3824 had recently gained the right to trade shifts as part of its new contract. This provision has enabled fire fighters to cover Ellis’ shifts so that Ellis can continue to receive paychecks and health insurance. Additionally, Ellis had taken out an ALFAC policy which is also providing some financial relief.

Local 3824 Vice President Chris Conte's four-year-old son helps fill the boot for Kenny Ellis.

Still, the Ellis family will need to pay some medical bills out-of-pocket. To make donation, send checks made payable to:

Monroe Local 3824
c/o Kenny Ellis Cancer Fund
P.O. Box 547
Monroe, OH 45050

In non-monetary assistance, Local 3824 fire fighters helped Ellis with some home renovations in preparation for a family reunion. The members painted the house, did some landscaping and installed exterior lighting.