Lincolnwood Firefighter Fights Sepsis: GoFundMe

Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Stec works for the Batavia Fire Department. He is with the Lincolnwood Fire Department. Patch apologizes for the error.

LINCOLNWOOD, IL — The community is rallying to support a Lincolnwood firefighter and paramedic who was hospitalized with kidney and liver problems.

A GoFundMe campaign was established Monday with the goal of raising $50,000 for 26-year-old Anthony Stec.

"Anthony chose his career based on his passion for helping others," the campaign organizer, who identified herself as his sister-in-law, wrote. "He is always there for those who need him, and now he needs our help in return."

The purpose of the campaign, which has so far garnered more than $5,000 in donations, is to assist Spec with medical and living expenses so he can focus on his health.

"Together, we can make a difference and bring Anthony back to where he belongs: protecting and caring for our community," she wrote. According to the fundraiser, Spec was sent home from work in December with what people thought to be flu symptoms. When he went to the emergency room, his test results showed he was septic with injured kidneys and a large liver abscess.

He spent about two weeks in the hospital, the organizer said he is feeling better each day but "still has a very long road ahead."

"As a Firefighter/Paramedic, it is unknown when he will be able to return to work due to the severity of his medical condition," the campaign description reads. "Anthony is the kind of person who would never ask for help but consistently provides support to others. He dedicates each day to being there for our community, his family, and his friends — so now it's our turn to be there for him."