Help Olathe FD Chief Godbold beat Cancer!

Let's help Chief Godbold beat cancer for good!!!

Help Our Heroes is partnering with Olathe Professional Firefighters Outreach to support one of our own. Chief Mark Godbold has been heroically battling cancer since July 2020. After being hospitalized with an intestinal infection (diagnosis at the time), follow up visits indicated a tumor in the intestine causing a bowel obstruction. Mark proceeded to surgery to have the tumor removed (required over a foot each of small and large intestine to sew back together!), and after a pathology review, it was confirmed to be Stage 3C colon cancer. At the time, the cancer had not spread, but Mark and his doctors decided to proactively start Chemotherapy, as this was a very aggressive cancer and came on so quickly. In February 2021, after chemo and a clear CT scan, Mark was able to return back to work, and was feeling great!

In May 2021, things took another turn, and after a follow up CT scan, it was revealed that Mark had at least 2 more tumors in his liver, and had been upgraded to Stage 4 cancer. Devastated with the news, Mark and family immediately started another round of Chemotherapy, both to reduce the existing tumors and to aggressively go after any that hadn't yet been discovered.

In August 2021, a follow up CT scan revealed the two tumors had shrunk in size, and no additional tumors were seen. In September 2021, Mark had liver surgery to remove one tumor and use a microwave ablation (sticking a prove in the tumor and frying it) to remove the 2nd one. After a minor setback due to an abscess, Mark was sent home with a still-open wound for monitoring and recovery.

Mark is hopeful for his future, and is itching to return to his crew, and he could use our support! Let's help Mark knock this thing out!!!

Help Our Heroes is a non-profit (501c3) organization that helps those who have served or are currently serving (Military, Police, Firefighters, First Responders). Olathe Professional Firefighters Outreach exist to enrich the health and wellness of those dedicated to the Civil Service and advance the quality of life for the community of Olathe and its citizens.