LOVE FOR MIKAHOn Friday, September 14th, 2018 the Carney family received the most devastating news of their lives. They learned that Mikah, their brave four-year old, had B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. A team of specialists at LLUMC confirmed that 91 percent of Mikah’s bone marrow was full of Leukemia and that he would be starting a very aggressive regiment of chemotherapy the following day. They began a journey that they never imagined that we would be on. They knew this would be long and arduous and would be dependent on the love and support from their family and friends. Mikah, loves Batman, and displays the same bravery and character you would expect from such a hero, while battling his cancer. He is still fighting to this day and still undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Mikah’s father is Michael Carney, a 13-year firefighter, who commits himself daily to the community he serves. The Carney family appreciates, and is so thankful, for the overwhelming amount of love and support. San Bernardino County Fire Department Benevolent Foundation stands behind the Carney family and will provide financial support throughout the battle until Mikah is cured. REMEMBERING RYANIt was with great sadness that Colton Fire Department Chief Tim McHargue announced on July 19, 2018 the tragic death of Colton Fire Department Engineer Ryan Foulks. Engineer Ryan Foulks died at his home and is survived by his wife, two young children, his parents, and two brothers. Engineer Foulks had worked for the City of Colton as a Fire Engineer for just under five years. Prior to Colton Fire Department, he worked for Fort Irwin Fire Department for eight years and was also a volunteer Firefighter for the Victorville Fire Department for two years. Ryan Foulks’ two brothers, Brandon and Dustin Foulks, work for San Bernardino County Fire Department. They march forward, after the untimely passing of Ryan, drawing attention to the mental health stresses of the fire service career, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the importance of Peer Support and Mental Health Counseling. These causes were near and dear to Ryan and they are committed to taking the torch and demonstrating the importance of these aspects to the future of the fire service. The San Bernardino County Fire Department Benevolent Foundation stands behind Ryan Foulks, and the continued work of his brother’s Brandon and Dustin Foulks. It is the mission of the San Bernardino County Fire Benevolent Foundation to assist with firefighters facing the moments of crisis that the Foulks’ brothers draw attention to. We will be steadfast in our commitment to being the charitable, supportive arm of any efforts and interventions needed to help any firefighter dealing with mental health hurdles. |