This story is about a 30 yr.+ career VOLUNTEER firefighter/EMT I, and his battle with terminal Lung cancer that is at stage 4.
John was a volunteer firefighter beginning with the Federal Way Washington Fire Dept.(Station 3) back in the 60's and then moving to Depoe Bay Oregon in 1990.
He thrived on helping others, and founded a training center called Depoe Bay CTC 17 yrs. ago, teaching CPR/First AID for the American Heart Assn.
Continuing his passion for helping others, he volunteered for many community organizations in the coastal areas near where he lived, for over 20 yrs.
As the economy worsened in the Depoe Bay and surrounding areas, he faced a very difficult decision to move his family back to Washington to be near his extended family members on August 31,2009. They chose to settle in the small town of Aberdeen in a mobile home park they could afford, and now began to look for employment. As the economy soured, so did hopes of a job. His dreams of providing for his family at age 67 were shattered. John's wife of over 30 yrs. is medically needy, as is the special needs grandson they've raised since infancy, when his mom was unable to care for him at a very young age.
John was forced to swallow his pride and ask the State for help for medical needs and for food.
He survives on his small social security check,
and his wife's disability check.
Four weeks ago he found out he has terminal lung cancer that has spread to other areas of his body. He is taking radiation treatments and Chemo therapy, relying on public medical transportation to get him to and from the many medical appts. in order to save gas in his car.
John, being a prideful man, couldn't bear the thought of leaving his family without support and the care that they need. So his extended family members came up with the idea of raising funds for his needs and the needs of his family.
Cash donations may be made to any West Coast Bank Branch or any Timberland Bank Branch in the name of : John Slinkard Fund.
Anyone who can hold a fundraiser is welcome to do so, and by contacting John's sister in law Linda, you can send the money collected to her and she will then deposit into either the West Coast Bank or the Timberland Bank Account for them.
Here is the information you will need:
Luther and Linda Slinkard(youngest brother & wife)
1429 Foxfire Dr. S.E. Olympia, Wa. 98513
360 459-1052
Cards or Letters of support may be sent to John thru his e-mail address: Johnboy911@comcast.net
With a humble heart I'd like thank anyone who could help this family.
The John Slinkard Family Members
To add a comment, please register or login.