Tommy Cullen Foundation Inc

Paramedic Walter Hochbrueckner has worked for FDNY EMS for nearly 32 years, all of which were spent in one of the busiest parts of Brooklyn, East New York. Over this span, Walter has helped hundreds of patients and saved countless lives. Recently Walter was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in his esophagus, a cancer that is directly related to his valor and service during the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks. On June 15th, Walter began radiation and chemotherapy treatments at Northwell Health in Lake Success, Long Island.  Walter also served his country in the US Navy as a Petty Officer 1st Class on the USS Nimitz, from 1982-87. He was a Naval Warfare Operations Specialist and awarded a Sea Service Deployment ribbon. Here at the Tommy Cullen Foundation our mission is to give back to firefighters and other first responders who are battling cancer, or watching a loved one go through it. Ordinarily we would try to organize a trip or experience for that family, to give them irreplaceable memories with their loved ones, but COVID has put a damper on that. So for Walter, his wife and two wonderful children, we are looking to raise $32,000, one thousand dollars for every incredible year of service to those in need, in the city of New York.  As some of you may already know, EMTs, Paramedics and all EMS personnel in New York City are grossly underpaid and overworked for the services that they provide each and every day. The best EMS system, in the best city in the world, have never been paid as such, and so let's all rally together and give back to Walter and his family. With God's help, hopefully the Hochbrueckner's can use this money to take a trip, full of wonderful experiences together, after the pandemic. But not without all of your generous help. Thank you!