BayNews9.com
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A Pasco County firefighter battling cancer is struggling to get by without medical benefits.
Captain Maria Silva, who has dedicated 15 years of her life to saving lives, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the beginning of the year. After using up all her paid time off, she has been left with no income and no medical benefits to help her pay for care.
“You put your family and those that you love, you put them second,” said Silva. Silva was put on inactive status at the beginning of April when her FMLA time ran out, meaning no medical insurance and no pay. The Cancer Presumption Law, enacted in 33 states, presumes that if a firefighter gets cancer, it was likely caused by the job. Florida, however, has not passed it, so Silva is left to fend for herself.
Full story: Local firefighter battling cancer, no medical benefits