The Woodrow Volunteer Fire Department wants you to join their fight against cancer after one of their own was diagnosed. In March, Joe Gillispie, a 20-year member of the department, found out he had stage 4 lung cancer.
“Keep going, you know, gotta stay positive,” said Gillispie.
Regardless of everything he is going through, he said his cancer won’t tear him down. In addition to being a volunteer firefighter, he’s the ground supervisor for Lubbock Cooper ISD and owns a landscaping business.
“The main thing is just for the love and protection of our community,” he said.
He’s a man that jumps at the chance of helping others.
“If their house is over there burning, Joe is out there with the family and he’s consoling them,” said Woodrow Volunteer Fire Department Chief Wesley Boone.
After he was diagnosed with lung cancer in March, others are jumping in to help him.
“I guess that’s the hardest part of where I’m at, being on the receiving end. All of these years I’ve always been on the giving end. And just the love that they’re sharing, I want to pass it on,” Joe said.
Joe’s wife, Susan Gillispie, won’t stop fighting for him, either.
“This is devastating for everyone that knows him. One question is like, ‘Why? Why would this happen to him?'” said Susan.
His crew decided they want to give back to Joe by starting the Love Fund Benefit, hoping to raise money to cover his treatment cost.
“I chose life. I’m a fighter, and Joe is a fighter,” said Susan.
Unfortunately, this isn’t an uncommon disease for firefighters to get. Firefighters have a high risk of getting cancer due to work conditions, but Gillispie and Boone said this isn’t something that will stop them from doing their job.
“We also remember the benefits. We enjoyed helping someone to help their loved one or their property,” said Boone.
“I just greatly appreciate all that they’re doing and for the prayers,” Joe said.
The Love Fund Benefit will be at Cook’s Garage on Saturday, June 2. For more details, visit their Facebook page here.
You can also donate to their GoFundMe.
