E-258/TL-115
In conjunction with the FDNY Hellenic Society, the Foundation is proud to support a firefighter who was in need of assistance in his fight with cancer.
FDNY Engine 258 Ladder 115
FF Matt McDevitt- E-286/TL135
The Foundation is proud to support a member of our family- a firefighter from Billy's own Myrtles Turtles. Below, in his own words, Matt talks about his situation, and how the Foundation was able to provide some help:
"In August of 2017, I was diagnosed with cancer in my nasal passage. My wife and I had just purchased our first home two months prior. My wife was also pregnant with our son, who was due to be born on August 31. My wife went into labor and delivered our son James six hours after I was discharged from Memorial Sloan-Kettering hospital. I had undergone major surgery to remove the cancer. Ten days later, I began chemo and radiation treatments in New Jersey, two hours from my home. This went on for five days a week for seven weeks. Needless to say, money was tight and medical bills were accumulating.
Before financial stress could set in, the Fires & Drums Foundation jumped in and gave my family a donation that would ease our debt. This foundation is one very close to my heart. I had the privilege of working along side Billy in Ladder 135. Billy always looked out for me on the job and his support continues today through this amazing foundation, My family and I could not be more grateful."
FDNY engine 286 ladder 135
Captain Michael Trahan- 16th Division
The Foundation is proud to support a member of our FDNY family. Below, in his own words, Mike talks about his situation, and how the Foundation was able to provide some help:
“No words could truly convey my feelings of love and appreciation for the Fire and Drums Foundation and all they did for my family and I during our time of deep sorrow, but I will try.
Last December, my younger brother John was taken from this world at only 33 years of age, leaving behind his wife and four young children. The pain of his loss in those bleary-eyed days that immediately followed his passing, was immense, as we were all trying to figure out how to go on. It was during this time that Bobby Tolley, brother of fallen FDNY brother William Tolley, reached out to me. He explained the foundation he had created in his brother’s honor; that the Fire and Drums Foundation works to help families of first responders in their times of need. He had learned about what had happened to my family through mutual acquaintances within the Department. He wanted to help. He offered to make a donation to the Go Fund Me page that had been created for my sister-in-law and her children. I was overwhelmed.
Bobby is an amazing person, and his brother would be incredibly proud of all the good he is doing through the Fire and Drums Foundation. I am honored to know him, and to have been helped by him. He has been there for me as a constant source of support through one of the hardest times in my life. We now share a bond that I know we both wish more than anything we didn’t have to. But I am so grateful to have met him.
Bobby’s brother was my brother, and I will consider Bobby the same for the rest of my life. Thank you again Bobby and The Fire and Drums Foundation, from Mike Trahan and the family.”
FDNY
FealGood Foundation
Fires & Drums donates to the FealGood Foundation
Mission Statement: To assist all emergency personnel, including but not limited to, firefighters, police officers, nurses, volunteers, sanitation workers, transportation workers and construction workers, within the United States who have been injured, or face serious injury due to action or omission, in the course of their duties or within their everyday lives.
The mission of the FGF includes educating elected officials and private entities on the various problems, concerns and issues faced by First Responders in their everyday duties. The FGF is therefore dedicated to advocating for First Responder rights and illuminating, to proper authorities, the serious issues they encounter.
Travis Manion Foundation
Fires & Drums donates to the Travis Manion Foundation
Mission Statement: The Travis Manion Foundation believes that the best way to honor the fallen is by challenging the living. Through Mentorship and Advocacy, Expeditions, Character Does Matter, and the 9/11 Heroes Run, veterans and families of the fallen are leading in their communities.
