Support Sven Schievink's Recovery Journey

Those who know Sven "Spud" Schievink would say he is a fireman's fireman. Sven enjoyed a 35-year career with the Federal Way Fire Department (now known as South King Fire). He worked at the busy stations, embracing whatever each day demanded. Sven invested in younger firefighters and embraced his role in the brother/sisterhood that is the fire service, often attending out-of-town training events at his own expense. He is a founding member of the Federal Way Fire Dept. Technical Rescue Team and wrote the book on ladder company operations for South King County. Having a beer with "the brothers and sisters" is one of his favorite pastimes, whether at a FOOLS conference or at his favorite spot in Enumclaw, Headworks Brewery.

Sven retired at the end of 2019 with the rank of Driver/Engineer, leaving his beloved Ladder Company to those he mentored. Despite COVID's effect on the world, he managed to have some fun around Enumclaw, stay connected with friends, and adopt two Dalmatian puppies, Lou and Probie.

In October of 2024, Sven suffered several medical issues that landed him at the hospital fighting sepsis. In the wake of this event, he remains in a rehab center in Puyallup, WA, working on his recovery. The road has become longer than any of us could predict. After fighting off the massive infection, he requires dialysis three times per week—treatments that really knock him down! After having such strong antibiotics, Sven has not been able to resume a normal diet; he is mostly nourished via a feeding tube. He remains underweight but has stabilized and put on a few pounds. Physical therapy is a challenge because of his starting point: worn out from dialysis, undernourished, and fresh off of massive weight loss along with months of bed rest. This should be the worst part of the story, right? Unfortunately, this is where the story gets even worse.....

Sven has "maxed out" his medical insurance and they have canceled his policy. As of today, he is a "self-pay" and is getting billed $11,000 per month for care that DOES NOT INCLUDE physical therapy! There are several social workers attempting to get him enrolled in Medicaid/Medicare, but as of today, Sven has no medical coverage. It is our goal to help raise some funds to assist with his time in rehab, get back to physical therapy, and help with the many needs he will have when he (finally) gets back home.

With Sven's approval, we are setting up this account with the goal of helping an honorable brother and friend fully recover and return to his peaceful and happy retired life in Enumclaw. Sven's dogs have been cared for during these difficult months by a great local friend with the assistance of a retired comrade. The plan for Lou and Probie will need to change shortly due to evolving circumstances. Changes will need to be made to Sven's house to accommodate the needs for his remaining recovery. Unfortunately, there is a large gap between Sven's needs and the resources available.

With respect and gratitude, we ask you to consider helping Sven across this gap in his happy retirement. With your assistance, Sven will get back home, hopefully finish up with dialysis, and get back to the serious business of being a great friend, dog dad, union brother, and world traveler.