Firefighting has always been a passion of mine. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to become a career fire fighter. Growing up in North Jersey, I started my journey at the age of 14 by becoming an explorer in a volunteer fire department. At 18 years old, I attended my first fire academy in Bergen County, New Jersey.
After volunteering and working part-time jobs, I finally landed my dream job as a professional fire fighter for the City of Columbia in South Carolina. At 28, my then-fiancée and I packed what little we had and moved to chase that dream. Everything was falling into place; we settled into our new lives, got married to the best wife in the world, and began living the life I had always envisioned.
Fast forward to 2018. I had been noticing some blood in my urine for a while and visited doctors to figure out the cause. On Nov. 19, 2018, we discovered the reason — I was diagnosed with bladder cancer at just 30 years old. It was a shocking moment that turned our world upside down.
After reaching out to friends in the fire service, I was directed to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN). This support was invaluable during such an uncertain time. We received our toolbox and started to formulate a plan. Once we figured out our course of action, we committed ourselves to the fight.
I underwent surgery to remove the tumor from my bladder. After some complications and recovery, the cancer was gone! I was eager to return to the firehouse and get back to riding the truck. Although I had a long road of follow-ups, post-removal medications, and procedures, life gradually returned to normal.
Throughout the process, my beautiful wife was by my side, and the support of my fellow fire fighters was incredible; they visited us every day we spent in the hospital.
patrick hayes
Now, let’s fast-forward to 2023/2024. My career was going well; I had been promoted to fire equipment operator (chauffeur). In February, I went for my regular job-related physical. A couple of days later, I received a call from the office informing me that I had elevated PSA levels.
I followed up with my urologist, not expecting much to come from it. However, after many tests and procedures, on Aug. 9, 2023, I received the news once again: at 35 years old, I had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
A wave of emotions washed over me, but I knew I was in for another battle. We devised a new plan and determined that it would be best to remove my prostate. In April of this year, I underwent surgery to have it removed. Thankfully, there were no complications this time. Throughout the process, my beautiful wife was by my side, and the support of my fellow fire fighters was incredible; they visited us every day we spent in the hospital.
The recovery period was long, but I was determined to return to the firehouse. After two months, I beat the odds again. The cancer was gone, and I was granted a clean bill of health. I was able to return to work with zero limitations.
My wife and I feel incredibly blessed by these outcomes. We continue to push forward, living life to the fullest. The FCSN has been a guiding light during our darkest times, and I look forward to becoming a mentor to support other fire fighters in need.
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These IAFF member survivor stories were collected by the Firefighter Cancer Support Network for Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month in January.