Pauly Strong Pietrafesa
Donation protected
Hello,
I am a 48 year old Firefighter for the City of Coral Springs. I am also a husband and a father (of 4 amazing children). In January 2015 I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. I have been going through treatments since then. I have also had surgery. I am now in stage 4.
My family and friends have been amazing support through this tough time. Despite the illness I am one lucky man.
Paul began his firefighting career with the Coral Springs Fire Department in November of 2005. He spent several years working between the Engine and the Rescue as a Firefigher/Paramedic. He went on to compete the training and testing process for Driver Engineer, and was promoted to Driver in early 2016.
Through his time in the department, he and his family have been given their share of trials. Emma, the youngest of Paul's 4 childern, was born with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) a rare genetic disorder. Emma is a true joy to be around, but has given her parents a run for their money from day one!
In 2012, Paul came to shift after experiencing, what he believed to be, heartburn for most of the night. Because of the insistance of the crew he was with, he was given an exam at the station, and diagnosed with an active Myocardial Infarction. He was quickly taken to a local cardiac facility, where he was successfully treated.
After all he and his family had been through, they more than anyone, deserved a break. Fate, however, would not be so kind. In early 2015, Paul began having abdominal pain, and was diagnosed with gall stones. That diagnosis was incorrect, and it was discovered that Paul had actually developed Pancreatic Cancer. Thanks to the swift actions of the Doctors involved, Paul saw several specialists, and began aggressive treatment in the spring of 2015. He has had multiple surgeries, and chemo treatments, immunotherapy, and drug trials. During all of that, Paul and Karen have spent every available minute making the most of the time they have. They made a "Bucket List" and are working very hard towards making all those dreams a reality! In July of 2016, Paul, Karen, and his doctors decided that there are no further treatments that will improve Paul's cancer. He and Karen made the decision for quality over quantity, and are going to "Bucket list the heck out of life".
I am a 48 year old Firefighter for the City of Coral Springs. I am also a husband and a father (of 4 amazing children). In January 2015 I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. I have been going through treatments since then. I have also had surgery. I am now in stage 4.
My family and friends have been amazing support through this tough time. Despite the illness I am one lucky man.
Paul began his firefighting career with the Coral Springs Fire Department in November of 2005. He spent several years working between the Engine and the Rescue as a Firefigher/Paramedic. He went on to compete the training and testing process for Driver Engineer, and was promoted to Driver in early 2016.
Through his time in the department, he and his family have been given their share of trials. Emma, the youngest of Paul's 4 childern, was born with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) a rare genetic disorder. Emma is a true joy to be around, but has given her parents a run for their money from day one!
In 2012, Paul came to shift after experiencing, what he believed to be, heartburn for most of the night. Because of the insistance of the crew he was with, he was given an exam at the station, and diagnosed with an active Myocardial Infarction. He was quickly taken to a local cardiac facility, where he was successfully treated.
After all he and his family had been through, they more than anyone, deserved a break. Fate, however, would not be so kind. In early 2015, Paul began having abdominal pain, and was diagnosed with gall stones. That diagnosis was incorrect, and it was discovered that Paul had actually developed Pancreatic Cancer. Thanks to the swift actions of the Doctors involved, Paul saw several specialists, and began aggressive treatment in the spring of 2015. He has had multiple surgeries, and chemo treatments, immunotherapy, and drug trials. During all of that, Paul and Karen have spent every available minute making the most of the time they have. They made a "Bucket List" and are working very hard towards making all those dreams a reality! In July of 2016, Paul, Karen, and his doctors decided that there are no further treatments that will improve Paul's cancer. He and Karen made the decision for quality over quantity, and are going to "Bucket list the heck out of life".
Organizer
Karen Cosco-Pietrafesa
Organizer
Wellington, FL
