Atlanta Firefighter Diagnosed with Rare Eye Cancer
In a shocking discovery, an Atlanta firefighter, Lt. Erin McMillion, was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, last month. Lt. McMillion, who had always been a health-conscious individual, is surprisingly grappling with her body’s unforeseen betrayal.
A Devastating Diagnosis
Lt. McMillion and her wife experienced disbelief when they received the devastating diagnosis.
“We were stunned because I’ve always been a healthy person,” Lt. McMillion recounted.
Despite the grim circumstances, her spirits are lifted by the unwavering support from her close-knit firefighter community.
“There hasn’t been a day since I’ve been going through this that I haven’t heard from one of my brothers or sisters from the fire department.” McMillion graciously remarked.
A Lifetime of Service
Humbled by fourteen years of service with Atlanta Fire Rescue, Lt. McMillion had sworn a life of service as a paramedic and firefighter. She once spoke of the fulfillment from making an impact on people’s lives, especially those experiencing their worst moments.
However, the tables have now turned. McMillion’s recent diagnosis has forced her to recognize the importance of seeking help and prioritizing her health more than ever. For someone whose life revolves around serving others, being the patient for a change is a wildly different experience.
The Dude Behind the Diagnosis
The alarming diagnosis was the result of a seemingly minor eye issue that surfaced in early February. Initially deemed as a lesion, further tests and a brain biopsy revealed the life-threatening truth: a cancerous growth behind Lt. McMillion’s left eye.
Thrust into this life-altering situation, Erin’s immediate thought was her young children.
“Your first thought is…’Am I going to get to see my kids grow up?'” Lt. McMillion tearfully shared.
The Road Ahead
For Lt. McMillion, the journey toward recovery includes six demanding rounds of chemotherapy. Her wife, Kori, recalls the moment they decided to take the fight head-on, with their two young children acting as their primary motivators.
With expected time away from work and mounting medical bills, the couple is aiming to raise $10,000 to cover medical and childcare expenses. The firefighter community and individuals worldwide extend their unflinching support to the Atlanta hero, who is fighting the toughest battle of her life.
An Urgent Call to Awareness
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest an increased risk of cancer among firefighters. Lt. McMillion’s situation underscores the urgent need for extensive health protocols and screening measures within this high-risk group of individuals who spend their lives saving others.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability that humans possess, regardless of their roles, responsibilities, or the uniform they wear. Even the everyday heroes among us, like Lt. Erin McMillion, are not immune to life’s most devastating trials, proving that health indeed is a treasure we all should guard with utmost vigilance.
