Firefighter WILL Fights Aplastic Anemia

For Firefighter Will Guimaraes - A Devoted Father, Firefighter and Ironman.

Firefighter Will Guimaraes is a true epitome of a Hero, he unselfishly devotes all his time and energy to his family, friends, coaching, training and serving his community! He is never seen without a smile and is always there to help out a friend or stranger in need!

A lifelong athlete and Open Water and Beach Lifeguard, Will has competed in many sports, he’s an accomplished Black Belt Martial Artists and Martial Arts Instructor, MTB/ Road Cyclist, Avid Marathon Runner including the LA Marathon and competing the Infamous IronMan Triathlon.

In 2017 was diagnosed with “Severe Aplastic Anemia” after toxic smoke and benzene exposure; a rare leukemia-like condition which attacks and kills your bone marrow and shuts down your immune system.  It was just another challenge Will was willing to face and take head on!

What is Benzene?
https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp 

Even Low Level Exposure Causes Aplastic Anemia!
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/lymphoma/news/20041202/low-level-benzene-exposure-may-be-harmful#1  

Given 6-12 months to live without treatment, Will FORTUNATELY underwent a very successful Bone Marrow Transplant last year, 12 rounds of chemo with ATG treatments and multiple blood and platelet transfusions!  A special thanks to his brother PEDRO being a 100% Match. Will is currently on a steady path towards recovery and overcoming post-transplant/chemo health complications!

Although being away from work for almost 20 months, finances and never-ending medical bills have been tough on him and his small family. Along with this crazy Los Angeles weather and the heavy unexpected rainfall, Will's battered roof had began to show signs that replacing it could no longer wait till he was better. And knowing WILL personally, he would never allow anyone to be burdened, which is why we put this page together to hopefully allow him and his family the comfort of a new roof in these difficult times.

Also a HUGE THANK YOU to our Brother Firefighters from Fire Station 125 for coming over and tarping his roof, saving his house from the rains while Will was at the hospital!

And last but not least,  THANK YOU to Capt Muldoon and Fire Station 58 for all the help and support, Will misses you guys and can't wait to get back to work!

In the link below Firefighter Will Guimaraes contributes in a "round table meeting" with LA County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby, as they discuss SURVIVING the hidden dangers of our jobs.

 Firefighter Decon < watch here