To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to explain the circumstances surrounding my husband’s medical condition and the severe financial hardship our family has experienced as a result.

My husband served 18 years as a firefighter for his city. During his service, he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He underwent radiation treatment and ultimately had his thyroid removed. Despite this diagnosis occurring while he was actively serving, his thyroid cancer was not classified as an on-the-job disability.

He was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive and debilitating neurological disorder that significantly impaired his ability to work. Like his thyroid cancer, Parkinson’s was not recognized as a job-related disability for pension purposes.

In an effort to manage his Parkinson’s symptoms, my husband underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. This procedure was intended to help control his tremors and improve his quality of life. During the surgery, a blood vessel was accidentally struck, causing a brain bleed and resulting in a stroke. What was expected to be a one-night hospital stay turned into a two-month hospitalization due to complications and recovery.

This stroke further diminished his physical and cognitive functioning and permanently changed his level of independence.

Because my husband was only able to complete 18 years of service — just short of the threshold required for full retirement benefits — he did not qualify for a full pension. The very illnesses that forced him out of service prevented him from reaching that milestone.

Additionally, many municipal pension systems do not participate in Social Security. As a result, he is not eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits to supplement his reduced pension.

In summary:

• He served 18 years as a firefighter.

• He was diagnosed with thyroid cancer during his service.

• He later developed Parkinson’s disease.

• Neither condition was classified as an on-the-job disability for pension purposes.

• He underwent Deep Brain Stimulation surgery to treat Parkinson’s, during which a surgical complication caused a brain bleed and stroke.

• A planned one-night hospital stay became a two-month hospitalization.

• He did not qualify for a full pension due to falling short of the required years of service.

• He does not receive Social Security Disability due to the city’s non-participation in Social Security.

• As a result, he receives significantly less than one-third of what he would have received under full retirement or disability classification.

After nearly two decades of service to his community, the financial support available to him does not reflect the sacrifices he made or the life-altering medical challenges he now faces.

We are respectfully requesting recognition of the gaps in protections for firefighters who develop serious illnesses and complications that prevent them from completing their service and securing full retirement benefits.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely.

Devoted wife for 30+ years