PURCELL, Okla. — An Oklahoma firefighter died Wednesday after battling cancer for 16 months.
Joe Heck was diagnosed with glioblastoma April 2015, a rare form of brain cancer.
Over the last 16 months of surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, Heck’s community has shown him an outpouring of support. Many people in town held fundraising events and often wore T-shirts and bracelets in his honor.
In an interview with KFOR last June, Heck expressed his gratitude towards the many gestures.
“You think you’re a strong guy and, you know, the kids show up with a donation and you break down. Someone show up with dinner, you break down … I’m glad I’m a small town firefighter.”
Friends of Heck announced his death via the “Fight like HECK” Facebook page.
Heck leaves behind his two sons and wife.