Photos courtesy of the City of Odessa.
Fundraiser launched to support Odessa firefighter’s cancer battle
The Odessa community is banding together for one of its firefighters, Josh White, a father of two young children who is battling cancer.
White, described by Odessa Fire Chief Jason Cotton as one of the department’s best paramedics who teaches and mentors other paramedics and EMTs, was recently diagnosed with Appendiceal Cancer, according to the City of Odessa. The city promoted a fundraiser on Facebook that aims to support White’s family. It’s a rare type of cancer that grows from cells that make up the appendix.
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White has two children ages three and five with his wife, Kayla, who said it’s been hard watching him battle through multiple surgeries. Soon, he will start chemotherapy, according to the city.
“But he’s been strong and optimistic through it all,” Kayla said.
A fundraiser has been launched to support White and his family. The fundraiser aims to raise $22,000 to alleviate financial pressures on the family so they can focus on the cancer battle.
“If you’ve had the privilege of knowing Josh, you understand that he embodies the true spirit of selflessness,” the fundraiser states. “Always the first to lend a helping hand. Josh’s unwavering positivity and resilience shine through even in the face of adversity. As a firefighter/paramedic, he dedicates his life to putting others first, but now it’s our turn to put him first.”
