Hello, my name is Lt. Dale Fahoome.

For almost 27 years, I’ve been a Detroit firefighter—

a husband to Coquies, a father to three boys, a son, a brother, a friend, and a man who has spent my entire adult life running toward the danger most people run away from.

I was born and raised on the east side of Detroit. I am a graduate of Cass Technical High School. Detroit raised me. The Fire Department shaped me. God and my family have made me who I am.

I never once questioned this calling. I always believed that if God gave me the strength to run into a burning building, then I owed it to the people of this city to do just that.

I’ve missed holidays. I’ve missed birthdays. I’ve kissed my family goodbye more times than I could ever count, never knowing what the next alarm would bring. And through it all, I’ve always served my community with everything I had.

I never thought I would be here—sharing something so difficult and humbly asking for help. My partner and I, Lt. Phil Nevels, run Motor City Fire, a non-profit organization we founded seven years ago, dedicated to raising funds for fallen and injured firefighters and their families, as well as for fire victims in the community. We do this by selling firefighter apparel that we design and make ourselves. This time, I am the one in need of help.

What Happened?

Not long ago, I started to feel off. Tired in a way that didn’t make sense. I was having trouble swallowing, some pain in my body, and gradually losing weight. Things I chalked up to the job—smoke, toxins, long hours, stress, the usual beating a firefighter’s body takes.

A few weeks ago, while I was at work, I experienced pain in my lower back that radiated down my right leg. The pain was so severe that I went to the emergency room after my shift. The doctor ordered an MRI, which showed metastatic cancer in my lower back that had spread from somewhere else.

After several days at the University of Michigan Hospital, a CT scan, and two biopsies, it was confirmed that I had Stage 4 esophageal cancer, which had spread to my back, lung, and liver.

I won't pretend this didn’t shake me to my core.

It did.

It is.

After years of fighting fires, I am preparing for the biggest fight of my life.

My first thought wasn’t about myself—it was about my wife and my three boys - what this would mean for them, how it would change their world. How much more I want to be here to guide them, laugh with them, teach them, and watch them grow into men, get married, and have children.

Where I Stand Now

I’m ready to fight.

For myself and my family.

This has to happen fast.

We have seen the miracles of God, love, hope, hard work, and prayer.

My family and I are exploring every option: traditional care, advanced therapies, out-of-state specialists, and innovative treatments that go far beyond standard chemotherapy.

We seek care that offers hope. $65,000 will provide treatment at www.Hope4cancer.com, including a 3-week inpatient stay with room and holistic care, and intensive therapies. I’m asking for $75,000 to help cover airfare and additional wellness tools upon my return.

Why I’m Reaching Out

This isn’t easy for me. I’m a firefighter. I’m used to being the one who shows up. The one who helps. The one who shoulders the weight.

But right now, I can’t do it alone.

If you’ve ever been helped by a firefighter…

If you’ve ever admired the courage of those who run into danger…

If you believe that service and sacrifice deserve support when life turns hard…

Then I’m asking you, from the bottom of my heart:

Please consider helping my family as we take on this fight.

Every dollar brings us closer to hope—

closer to treatments that will extend my life—

closer to more time with my wife and sons.

My Promise

I have always shown up for the community.

I have always served with courage, humility, and heart.

And with your help, I will continue to fight with that same spirit.

My family and I are deeply grateful for your support, prayers, encouragement, and belief in us during the hardest moment of our lives.

Thank you for standing with me.

Thank you for standing with my family.

Thank you for your support, and PLEASE SHARE MY STORY.

With gratitude,

Lt. Dale Fahoome