Help a Hero: Support Firefighter-Paramedic in Need

Hi, my name is Dani Filek! I have created this GoFundMe on behalf of someone very near and dear to my family's heart especially my sister, Elle.

Meet Anthony Stec, a dedicated 26-year-old Firefighter/Paramedic who has been serving our community for 3 years. Anthony chose his career based on his passion for helping others. He is always there for those who need him, and now he needs our help in return.

In the first week of December 2023, Anthony was sent home from work at the fire station with what were believed to be flu symptoms. On the morning of December 7th, Anthony began to develop high fevers and severe pain in his right upper abdomen. That day, he went to the ER, not knowing that he would be hospitalized for two weeks.

Anthony’s test results found him to be septic with injured kidneys and a large liver abscess, putting him in the ICU. Further imaging showed concern that the gallbladder was inflamed and needed to be removed. During the successful removal of the gallbladder, 1.5 liters of infected fluid were found in his abdomen. By Friday, December 8th, Anthony had a total of 1 liver drain, 2 abdominal drains, 1 nasogastric tube and receiving oxygen. After 5 days in the ICU, Anthony continued to make progress and was moved to a medical floor, where his nasogastric tube, abdominal drains and oxygen supplement were eventually removed. While things began to look up, Anthony’s body continued to spike high fevers, requiring longer hospitalization.

Anthony is now home, and while feeling better each day, he still has a very long road ahead. He has a PICC line (a long-term IV) through which he receives antibiotics daily for at least the next 4 weeks. He still has a drain in his liver for the abscess, with a removal date that is to be determined. The cause of the abscess is also still to be determined.

As a Firefighter/Paramedic, it is unknown when he will be able to return to work due to the severity of his medical condition. Anthony is the kind of person who would never ask for help but consistently provides support to others. He dedicates each day to being there for our community, his family, and his friends — so now it’s our turn to be there for him.

The purpose of this GoFundMe is to support a friend, son, brother, boyfriend, & First Responder, and assist with medical/living expenses so that Anthony can focus on his health. Please consider donating to Anthony’s GoFundMe page and sharing this post with your friends and family. Every little bit helps. Together, we can make a difference and bring Anthony back to where he belongs: protecting and caring for our community.