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Boy, 5, with rare cancer becomes honorary firefighter

TJ Zimmerlee, who has a blood disease called Langerhan Cell Histiocytosis, gained 150 new brothers and sisters that will be by his side during his fight

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Photo courtesy Moyers Corners Fire Department

Syracuse.com

CLAY, N.Y. — TJ Zimmerlee loves everything about firefighting, but the 5-year-old boy has been fighting his own battle against a rare cancer for most of his life.

TJ has Langerhan Cell Histiocytosis, a blood disease. To support TJ in his fight, firefighters at Moyers Corners Fire Department recently named the boy an honorary member of the volunteer department. “We wanted to give him support,” said Deputy Chief Stephen Zaferakis. “What’s better than giving him 150 brothers and sister who will be by his side.”

Zaferakis said TJ recently moved to Onondaga County. In May, the fire department was introduced to the boy. “We knew he loved firefighters and we knew he was battling cancer,” Zaferakis said. “We were eager to meet him.”

Full story: How CNY boy battling rare cancer gained 150 brothers, sisters