One of our members, Medic/Fire Fighter Kate Messier recently experienced a difficult tragedy in her family.  She is a single mother of three teenage daughters, 23, 20 and 18.  The youngest, Caitlin, had a diving accident Sunday evening.  She fractured C-5 and C-6, leaving her paralyzed from the shoulders down but has some feeling and movement in her fingers and lower arms.  She underwent surgery today to repair the fracture and salvage any hope of her walking again.  The initial prognosis was 3% and there hasn't been any defined change.

 

    She graduated from high school less than one week earlier and was to begin the Tidewater Regional Fire Academy in July.  Kate, who rode in on the call and rendered care to her daughter, has not left her side since the incident occurred.  The Fire Chief has been very supportive of her situation and absence and we have all begun collecting funds for Kate and Caitlin to assist with a very long recovery and several thousand dollars in hospital and physician bills.

 

    All we are asking is that the VPFF put the word out to other locals in hopes they will offer prayer and support in whichever manner they see fit.  An account has been set up at a SunTrust branch and donations can be made in the name of "Katherine Messier" if anyone wishes to donate monetarily.  Caitlin is currently in the ICU at Riverside Regional and will be for at least another week.  Local 2450 would appreciate any dispersion of our message to our other brothers and sisters in the state,  Thanks you.

 

Fraternally,

 

Jason Monk

VP - Local 2450