Rozanna M. Martinez
Albuquerque Journal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque firefighter Vincent Cordova began losing hearing in his right ear last year. After consultations with doctors, an MRI a couple months ago revealed a brain tumor on each side of his jugular vein that goes from his brain to his heart.
The community is now coming to 24-year-old Cordova’s aid, helping raise money to cover medical expenses that are expected reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. A blog item about Cordova’s condition spread on social media sites, with many leaving comments asking how they could help.
Cordova will have to undergo surgery to remove the tumor. But the surgeon who performs this type of surgery is in Los Angeles, and Cordova will have to fly there. The surgery is tentatively scheduled to take place in mid- to late April.
“I am putting all my trust and faith in God, and if this is what the Lord wants me to go through, then I’ll go through it,” Cordova said in an interview.
His parents plan to be by his side. Cordova is an only child.
“Mentally, I’m stressed out. It’s going to be 20 to 27 days of radiation; it is not an option,” Cordova said. “I have no choice to go through it. I’m scared. I’ve never had this type of surgery in my life. I never thought anything like this would happen to me.”
Cordova, who has been with the Albuquerque Fire Department for three years, is keeping a positive attitude. He continues to work despite frequent headaches, numbness in his limbs and mental exhaustion.
“He’s a nice, caring wonderful person,” said Shelby Duffy, a paramedic with Albuquerque Ambulance who worked with Cordova. “He’s always happy to see everyone and happy to help people.”
Duffy has volunteered to help, planning a future bake sale for Cordova.
Cordova’s girlfriend, Samantha Garcia, said she is thankful for those offering to help cover the medical costs.
Cordova’s insurance with the city will cover about 60 percent of the surgery and some other medical expenses, but he will have to cover the rest. That could include unexpected costs, Garcia said.
It will take up to six months for Cordova to recover from the surgery.
“He’s everybody’s favorite person,” Garcia said. “He’s funny and such a great person.” How to help
For more information on Cordova and how you can help, go to http:// firefightercordova.blogspot.com/2012/02/i-need-your-help.html.
Copyright 2012 Albuquerque Journal