Local 84 Secretary Chris Bayer, an EMS professional with Rural Metro of Orlando, continues to endure testing for ongoing medical issues that are believed to stem from undiagnosed multiple sclerosis, but he isn't alone.
Chris' brothers and sisters from Local 84, along with the executive boards and members of a number of IAEP locals in Florida, are banding together to help him during his future battle with the disease. IAEP National Representative Bret Cyr recently responded to the outpouring of support from Local 84 by asking each of his locals to consider making some form of a donation to Chris during his continuing struggles.
"He [Chris] has used up all of his sick time and vacation," said Cyr. "This has been financially draining and I am simply requesting that each E-Board discuss the possibility of some type of contribution to our brother."
In a recent letter, Chris' fellow Local 84 member Tom Murphy asked his brothers and sisters to surpass the distance that is often felt between EMS professionals due to the nature of the profession. In his letter, Murphy asks his brothers and sisters not to only think about money.
"All of us come from varied backgrounds and have different skill sets and talents that we can offer when our brothers and sisters have a need," Murphy wrote. "When you hear that one of your brothers or sisters have a need, I hope that all of you will step up and offer what you can."
If you would like to make a donation or help Chris during his ongoing struggles, please feel free to contact National Representative Cyr at bcyr@nage.org for more information.