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Firefighter Cancer Support Network mourns loss of Debbi Wood
by Michael Dubron
Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) President and Founder
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and Staff I would like to express our great sadness and sorrow at the passing of Debbi Wood. Debbi lost her eight-year battle with cancer on March 12, 2008.
Debbi had been the FCSN's Wellness Coordinator since this programs inception. Debbi was a pioneer. She not only served the FCSN, she established the "Wellness Coordinator" position and through exceptionally hard work, served to provide the fire service with the vision and mission of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
I have learned through Debbi's commitment that "love is when another person's needs are more important to you than your own." Debbi loved what she did, reaching out to fire service members who were facing cancer just like she was. She did it with passion, dedication and never did she share her own difficulties, rather remained focused, continuing to support others with her compassion. Truly a testimony to her efforts are the numerous stories of Debbi's ability to touch many FCSN members in their hour of need; she would persist with phone calls and emails when members had follow up doctor appointments just to check in and see how they were doing.
Debbi has a beautiful family to whom we must now reach out in the hopes of giving back some of the very ideals Debbi promoted: "comfort, strength and hope." Her husband Steve, (a Battalion Chief with Brea F.D. California), her son Daniel (age 21), her daughters Kelli and Nikki (ages 18 and 10 respectively), her parents George and Barbara, and brother Jerry are now are faced with the loss of a wife, mother, daughter and sister.
The entire board of directors (Vice President Pete Trapani, Treasurer Tom Knerl, Secretary Carol Ramnarine, Director of Information Technology Paul Soteropoulos and Executive Assistant Lori Harris) continued our weekly conference call last night in memory of Debbi knowing that she would want us to continue our mission. We shared some wonderful moments, including more than a fair share of tears. Though we no longer have Debbi with us, her spirit and memory will always provide the FCSN direction and energy to reach out and provide assistance and education.
As we spent time together in her final hours in her home where she was at peace, her legacy was displayed on her fireplace mantle; the "Founders Award." This award was given to distinguish an FCSN member who displayed above and beyond the vision and mission of the FCSN. She was the premier recipient of this award and has set the standard by which future aspirants will be considered. There are no words that can describe the difficulty associated with those final hours; however the memories and love for her and her entire family will always bring a special feeling to our hearts and a smile on our faces.
Services will be held on Friday March 28th, 2008 and I encourage all FCSN members to attend this celebration of Debbi's life. Final details will be provided when they are available.
In honor of Debbi I encourage FCSN members to remember Debbi's passion as they carry out their duties within the fire service and as active members of the FCSN by encouraging fellow firefighters to sign up and become members on the FCSN web site, or by participating in special events, volunteering as a regional director or simply taking time out of your day to give back to others who face cancer.
Debbi will be missed. Her legacy will live forever in all those she has touched and those who will be touched by what she has done. Please send your thoughts to Steve and the family at either SWood@FCSN.net or by mail to: The Wood Family 720 E. Bellgrove St. La Verne, CA. 91750. Your kind thoughts and prayers will be appreciated as we navigate through this difficult time.
