Injured Firefighter Needs Help

Michel (Shelly) DeLisle spent 15 years serving the citizens of Wauwatosa as a firefighter/paramedic, hazmat team member, special teams unit member, deputy Honor Guard Unit Commander & lieutenant.  In 2012, she suffered a breathing emergency after fighting two house fires in short order.  With her lungs damaged, a diagnosis of Occupationally Induced Asthma from scarring, and with multiple doctors refusing to let her return to duty, she notified the Wauwatosa Fire Department that she would be retiring on duty disability under the Wisconsin Presumptive Heart & Lung law.  The state approved her case, but the city refused to certify her & is fighting her in court.  The city terminated her in February 2013 for failing to settle her disability case in 12 months after the city requested multiple deadline extensions.  Her family has exhausted their savings, sold anything they could get money for from their home (including vehicles) & two of their college age daughters even gave up money to help support the costs of home & insurance with the oldest chipping in to buy a homecoming dress for their freshman daughter because the family could not afford it.  There is nothing left & the family is facing the prospect of losing their house & dropping their health insurance, despite the obvious need for it.  Please help this firefighter's family survive her injury without the loss of home by supporting them in their time of need.

On Friday, November 14, the City of Wauwatosa officially appealed the judge’s decision. This appeal will push out resolution of the case past the new year. Despite a collective bargaining agreement that says health insurance will be covered once a judge’s decision is received, the city is refusing to even cover this leaving the family in the same circumstances they have been in for the past two years. They have had to let the health insurance lapse in an effort to remain in their home & with the cold weather, Michel has again had to use more medications to breathe easy & see her doctor more often. Despite this, she has faith that this will eventually be resolved & hopes that changes can be made to the system so that other firefighters & those covered by presumptive law do not suffer the same financial hardships over a prolonged period of time. She is thankful for the support of her community and fellow firefighters.

View past news coverage:
http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/Wauwatosa-firefighters-fight-firings-248918511.html
http://www.wisn.com/news/two-former-wauwatosa-firefighters-fight-for-disability-benefits/27908712