I started as a busboy/chef at 15 and became an Executive Chef at my last two cooking jobs. I also ran a catering business for 13 years doing Italian, Spanish and American cuisines.

In addition, I am a retired Springfield Firefighter and made Luitenent before making the call to withdraw from duty. I worked part-time as a security guard from 2009-2020 at the Springfield Museum. I remember this fondly as one of the best jobs I've had throughout my career, and the Security Dept helped support me through my battle with cancer.

My decision is due to having GIST - EXON 9. This cancer has no cure; once you have it, nobody lives past ten years. The cancer started in my small intestine, and in 2019 it invaded my liver. I am terminal with no timetable for my family or myself due to the lack of information surrounding this rare cancer.