Responding for Robert

My name is John Yonkin. I am the Fire Chief for the Dushore Pa. Volunteer Fire Department. I am raising funds to help support one of my Officers who is a long term volunteer fire fighter. I am asking you to Respond to help Robert.

This is Robert and Maxine. Both are longtime volunteer firefighters in their Sullivan County community. Now they are in the fight of their lives with Robert's cancer.

Robert, 49, has been a volunteer firefighter for 34 years. He is now a Firefighter/EMT, a state-certified fire instructor, and ranks as captain in his department.

In March of this year, Robert was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He'd begun experiencing throat irritation in late 2024 and had lost 70 pounds in a matter of months.

Robert and Maxine were shocked by this diagnosis because Robert doesn't smoke or drink alcohol -- two of the leading risk factors for esophageal cancer. Doctors also found a tumor in Robert’s hip after weeks of unbearable pain had made it impossible for Robert to sleep soundly.

Doctors first attacked the tumor in Robert's hip with targeted radiation therapy, which succeeded in reducing Robert's pain. For the first time in weeks, Robert didn't need to lay down in the back seat during the couple's 3-hour round-trip drive from their home to UPMC Williamsport.

This week Robert begins daily chemotherapy to treat his esophageal cancer. In order drive Robert to and from UPMC Williamsport, Maxine must take the full day away from the small business she owns and operates. Robert, meanwhile, has not been able to work in many months, even before he began treatment.

Robert's illness has put tremendous pressure on the couple's household finances. Their daily travel costs and weekly living expenses have gone up at the same time their income has become severely limited. They could use some assistance.

This GoFundMe page was established to help Robert and Maxine cover their travel and living expenses. They have both spent many years as volunteer first responders helping their neighbors deal with all kinds of emergencies. Now I am asking for your assistance to help one of my fire fighters and his family as they deal with the greatest emergency they have ever faced.