Fundraiser For Marlborough Paramedic Who Battled Cancer Aids Family

MARLBOROUGH, MA — A fundraiser for a Marlborough paramedic who died after a sudden cancer diagnosis will seek to assist his family in the wake of his death.

Patriot Ambulance paramedic Mike Bernard was recently diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer. He died Sunday at a local hospital with his family nearby.

"It’s with broken hearts that we announce that Mike's time on this earth was cut short, as he passed today surrounded by his family," the Chelmsford-based ambulance company said in a social media post. "Mike's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched as a paramedic. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, and his selfless dedication to his patients will never be forgotten."

Just days before Bernard's death, Patriot Ambulance field supervisor Steve Hughes set up a GoFundMe fundraiser for Bernard, aiming to raise $50,000 to support Bernard's wife, son and daughter — a high school senior who plans to start college in the fall.

"As Mike will be unable to work this puts a great deal of stress on the family, and it is our goal to help alleviate the financial concerns they are facing," Hughes said on the fundraiser page.

The fundraiser goal was set at $50,000, and was nearly there early Monday morning with more than $41,000 raised for the Bernard family.

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