A community in New Haven is coming together to help two firefighters battling cancer.
Firefighters Jaime Polite and Mike Carrano have been in public service for the last 15 years. However, their careers were cut short after they were diagnosed with cancer.
Polite is battling pancreatic cancer, and Carrano is about to begin treatment for brain cancer. Because of their illnesses, neither is able to work.
“It’s just like one of our brothers getting sick. It was hard. We’re like a family here,” said Gary Cole, with the New Haven Fire Dept.
Cole and other firefighters have been working together to collect donations from the community, and going to social media to raise funds for both men.
Michael Carrano, son of Mike Carrano, said the money will greatly help his family.
“My father, unfortunately, was forced to retire…[we’re] living well under the means that we were before. The money is going to help tremendously between the hospital bills and just trying to continue.”
So far, $10,000 has been raised to help Polite and Carrano. Organizers said it’s a great start, but hope to raise more.
“The positive in all this…is that…they're getting the help that they need, and…these guys are out there serving the community every day and the community appreciates it, and they gave back,” said Danny Coughlin, with the New Haven Fire Dept.
A fundraiser for Polite and Carrano will be held on February 28th at the Knights of Patrick in New Haven.
If you would like to help, you can still contribute by going to www.nhfflocal825.org
