A Heartwarming Holiday Initiative: Project Fire Buddies Brings Joy to Families Battling Cancer
Excerpts from patch.com:
Last Wednesday, a truly inspiring event unfolded in Lockport when firefighters from over two dozen departments gathered for the annual Lights and Ladders Brigade—a joint effort with Project Fire Buddies. Their mission? To transform the home of 15-year-old Vinnie Gincauskas into a festive wonderland. Vinnie, a Lockport Township High School student, has been fighting against a rare form of cancer known as DSRCT, or desmoplastic small round cell tumors, which is a soft tissue sarcoma affecting the body's connective tissues. Recently, Vinnie underwent surgery to remove nearly 100 tumors from his abdominal cavity. Prior surgeries had already removed additional tumors and a lymph node from his chest.
Despite the challenges he faces, Vinnie has found solace and encouragement through Project Fire Buddies, a nonprofit initiative led by local fire departments. Established in Oak Forest back in 2016, the organization has grown significantly, now encompassing 30 departments including those from south suburban areas like Oak Lawn, Palos, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Midlothian, Homewood, Lockport, Lemont, New Lenox, Evergreen Park, Frankfort, and Country Club Hills.
Vinnie expressed immense gratitude for the overwhelming support he and his family received. "Thank you so much," he said, visibly moved. "It means a lot for you to do this for me and my family."
The decorated home was just one stop on a five-stop route for the Brigade this year. All in all, they managed to brighten 13 homes with cheerful holiday decor. Participating fire departments included Oak Lawn, Chicago, Posen, Flossmor, Country Club Hills, Lockport, Orland Park, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Tinley Park, Aurora, Chicago Heights, Cicero, Manhattan, New Lenox, Frankfort, and McHenry Township.
This year, Project Fire Buddies aligned with the Brigade, an initiative under the umbrella of the Finley Forever Foundation. The Brigade brings together multiple organizations—the Tom Hopkins Foundation, Christmas without Cancer, and Finley Forever—to raise funds and spread joy among families battling cancer during the holiday season. Every decoration was generously donated, totaling nearly $15,000 worth of festive items this year. These decorations will remain with the recipient families, adding warmth and cheer to their homes long after the holidays are over.
Here are a few glimpses of their incredible handiwork:
As the holiday season approaches, stories like Vinnie's remind us of the power of community and the kindness of strangers who go above and beyond to make life brighter for those in need. Project Fire Buddies is not just about decorating homes; it's about creating memories, spreading hope, and showing love to families facing unimaginable challenges.
If you're inspired by their efforts and would like to contribute, consider donating to help keep their mission alive. Every contribution helps ensure that more families can experience the magic of the holidays despite difficult circumstances.
Stay tuned for more heartwarming updates as this special project continues to grow and touch lives across the region.
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