The VCFD WOAF provides aid to all VCFD Personnel and their dependents who are ill, injured or the victims of unforeseen circumstances that have drastically altered their normal way of life.

Our single greatest mission is to be prepared provide whatever assistance is needed to family members in the event of a firefighter line of duty death or catastrophic injury, such as the Stevens family. Please read a bit about their story and consider supporting the WOAF.

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A couple of days ago I had the opportunity to work with one of the happiest members of our department. As usual, Engineer Dave Stevens and I began our typical morning routines, but as I approached him to say hello it was immediately clear that something was wrong.

My usually cheerful coworker looked defeated but as if he didn’t want me to notice, he quickly tried to move on from allowing me to see that there was something going on in his life.

I was surprised to see him so down because this is a man that frequently promotes ALOHA VIBES! He is often heard saying, “You can’t steal my aloha, happiness is a choice” Meaning that the day is yours and you can make the choice to be happy every day of your life. He has made my day better just by having a conversation and now I am asking for your help for the Stevens Family and the situation that they are dealing with.

On December 23, 2022, Lisa Stevens, Dave’s wife was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. This cancer only affects about 6800 people per year in the United States. California treats this rare form of cancer as they would stage 4 cancer, meaning that the doctors aggressively use a substantial amount of radiation and chemo for 6 weeks, 5 days a week. This type of treatment would leave Lisa unable to enjoy life following the treatment. After visiting 6 different doctors and countless specialties, they were unable to find any alternative plans.

The family has chosen doctors in Arizona that treat Lisa specifically for the type of cancer she has instead of using a one size fits all aggressive treatment plan. Dave will be commuting from Arizona to California while his wife receives treatment that is more beneficial to her and will allow her to have a much better quality of life following her treatment plan. Dave will be driving back and forth for seven weeks, beginning July 10th. This has taken a tough situation and made it worse. On top of the cost of the treatment in Arizona, our brother will also be managing the cost of the commute, and taking care of his family.

Lisa and Dave first met in 2nd grade, and now have three children together. Gunnar Stevens, a new member of the VCFD family, Kamdyn Stevens, Brent Stevens. Their family has grown with Brent's wife Mariah and their two grandchildren, Ryder and Brooklyn. This is their family but also our extended family.

Two different insurance companies have declined coverage for Lisa’s treatment, and payment will be coming out of the family’s pocket to save her life. I am asking anyone who has taken the time to read this to help if possible. I know that donating money may not be possible for everyone and the second-best way to help is to spread the word. Post this link onto your social media accounts, send it to members of other organizations and get the word out so that we may help our extended family.

Lastly, check in with Dave if you know him personally as he and his family get through the next seven weeks. Send all positive thoughts to Lisa that her cancer will go into remission. It is going to be an extremely difficult time for the family and knowing that they have the support of the VCFD community behind them will greatly lift their spirits. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and send Aloha vibes!