Florida Cancer Survivor Back on the Job

September 9 • 2014

Hollywood, FL Local 1375 fire fighter Curtis Grier, a 19-year veteran, received news he wasn’t expecting in January 2014. He was diagnosed with stage 4 liver and pancreatic cancer. But with the support of his Local 1375 brothers and sisters, family and his doctors, Grier is back to full duty at Fire Station 40.

“Curtis is one of our best, so we did everything we could do to help,” says Local 1375 President Bill Huddleston. “We are all relieved to see him back to work.”

Grier’s diagnosis was serious, but he fought back. He followed his doctor’s prescribed treatment, altered his diet and changed his exercise routine.

Meanwhile, Local 1375, his family and community rallied around him. Local 1375 members worked shifts, donated money and held fundraisers to offset the financial stress of fighting cancer.

“We got the word out to several nearby Florida locals and community businesses. Many sent personal donations and held their own fundraisers,” says Huddleston.

All efforts paid off. After being cleared by his physician, Grier returned to work on August 2. However, he is not cancer free. He will continue to be monitored by his doctor to make sure that his tumors continue to shrink.