Baltimore firefighter Steve Dorsey had a pretty rough Valentine’s Day this year, let me tell ya. The poor guy was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes and liver on that very day. Talk about a heart-wrenching way to spend the holiday of love, am I right?
Who is Steve Dorsey and what happened to him?
Steve Dorsey, a 56-year-old Baltimore firefighter, received the devastating news of his cancer diagnosis on Valentine’s Day. The veteran of the department has been with them for 21 years and is currently on medical leave, undergoing chemotherapy to try and shrink those pesky tumors. But hey, he’s not alone in this battle – his colleagues at the Baltimore City Fire Department have been rallying around him, showing him all the love and support he needs during this tough time.
Why is he sharing his story?
Steve Dorsey is using his experience to spread awareness about esophageal cancer, especially among first responders who are at a higher risk. He’s on a mission to encourage proactive health measures and wants fire departments across the nation to offer a DNA test to detect abnormal esophageal cells before they turn into cancer. It’s a tough road ahead, but Dorsey is determined to make a difference and shed light on the importance of early detection.
How did he find out about his condition?
Everything was going fine for Dorsey until January when he started having trouble swallowing. At first, he thought it was no big deal, just a little hiccup here and there. But as time went on, it got worse and worse until he could barely eat without regurgitating everything back up. A series of tests revealed the grim truth – masses in his lower esophagus, lymph nodes, and liver. Chemotherapy started in March and is expected to continue until June, with hopes of shrinking those tumors down to size.
What’s next for Steve Dorsey?
Despite being on medical leave, Dorsey still makes regular trips to the firehouse to catch up with his buddies. He misses the camaraderie of the job and even had the honor of backing a new firetruck into the station on one of his recent visits. As a third-generation Baltimore firefighter, Dorsey has always had a passion for the job, even though it comes with its own set of risks. His hope is to raise awareness about the long-term health dangers that come with being a first responder and to ensure that others are proactive about their well-being.
In conclusion, Steve Dorsey’s journey is far from over, but he’s facing it with courage and determination. The support he’s received from his colleagues and community is a testament to the impact he’s had throughout his career. As he continues his fight against cancer, his story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that firefighters make every day. And maybe, just maybe, his efforts to raise awareness about cancer screenings will make a difference in the lives of others. Keep fighting, Steve – we’re all rooting for you!
