Bridgeport Firefighters Rally To Support Colleague With Lung Cancer

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Jonathan Pabon, a five-year veteran of the Bridgeport Fire Department, was recently diagnosed with lung cancer, and his fellow firefighters are rallying to support him as he begins chemotherapy treatment.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to aid Pabon and his family "assist with medical expenses, childcare, and to help bridge the gap of any loss of wages due to family leave."

As of Thursday, the effort had generated more than $23,000, which exceeded its goal of $20,000.

"Jonathan is 33 years old and a five-year veteran of the Bridgeport Fire Department," wrote coworker Myles Rich, who organized the campaign. "He has always been one of the first to help those in need."

The original goal $10,000, but that was exceeded within 24 hours of its launch, which prompted the organizers to increase it to $20,000.

And according to a post on the Bridgeport Police Department's Facebook page, a Meal Train page has also been established to receive donations of food or gift cards.

"To friends, family, fellow firefighters, retired members, and strangers; thank you," wrote Rich. "On Go Fund Me and off, the support has been incredible, especially from our members and exemplifies what the job is all about."

To view the GoFundMe page for Jonathan Pabon, click here; to view the Meal Train page, click here.

Editor's note: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.