VANDERGRIFT, Pa. — Hundreds of people joined members of the Parks Township Volunteer Fire Department Sunday in supporting one of their firefighters who is battling cancer.
WPXI reported that firefighter Thomas Filo IV, 27, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of neuro-endocrine cancer in September. The cancer has a 15 percent five-year survival rate.
His fellow firefighters held a spaghetti dinner and auction to raise money for his medical expenses, according to the report.
Filo’s family members said they can’t thank the community enough.
“It’s overwhelming. It’s so emotional that I just don’t even know how to handle it anymore. What everyone is doing for our family is unbelievable,” said Tamara Baum, Filo’s sister.