BOSTON (WHDH) - A Boston firefighter is getting some big back-up as he continues to fight a personal battle.
Back in his South Boston firehouse, Glenn Preston helps his 9-year-old son gear up so they can go for a ride. Moments like these have become all more important as Preston fights occupational cancer.
“Some days are better than others but those days are good too,” said Preston.
The 17-year veteran of the department has a wife and four children all under the age of 10.
When the doctors discovered his tumor, it was the size of a grapefruit, lodged between his heart and lung.
Preston spent the month of October in the hospital for a bone marrow transplant, which is documented in a video by the fire department.
He still has to wear a mask and gloves to help protect his immune system and cannot work.
Marisa’s Mission has stepped in to help out Preston and his family during these hard times.
The foundation was created in honor of Marisa Federico, who passed away from breast cancer last year.
“Her whole entire journey with cancer, she always remained positive; was always upbeat. She always inspired others,” said Lauren Federico, Marisa’s sister.
Her family started the foundation to lessen the burden of families fighting cancer.
Her sister says keeping Marisa’s spirit going has helped them deal with their own grief.
“Seeing some sort of silver lining through all of this is really what makes us be able to move forward with our lives,” Lauren Federico said.
Coming forward to help another family during the holiday season, the Preston family says the $8,000 grant will cover months of mortgage payments. They added that most importantly, this will put less stress on Preston.
“There’s no words for what they’ve done. We’re so blessed,” Preston said.
Click here for more information on Marisa’s Mission.
Sadly, his case isn’t the only one facing the Boston Fire Department. The commissioner says they’ve had 190 firefighters die from occupational cancer since 1990.
“We have a new diagnosis about every three weeks, and it’s really taken a devastating toll on the department,” said Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn.
They’re working on equipment, protocol and lifestyle changes to get those numbers down.
Preston’s focus is on beating cancer with his wife, kids and firefighter family by his side.
“They depend a little on me, I depend a lot on them. They’ve never let me down. It’s the best group of guys you’ll find in the world, anywhere,” said Preston.
Preston is starting intense radiation treatments but his spirits remain high. He’s hoping to be back in the firehouse, working, by summer.
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