Elijah Fights Back and How The Brotherhood Helped Out Thanks to My Son

Update:

The “Jazz Cafe” was a huge success and Elijah was able to attend with his family even though he had gone through treatment earlier in the day. I got to meet Elijah with my son and he is a terrific young man. I think he was a little overwhelmed by everything that was going on. Thanks to all who had a part in making the event a huge success and for all of the band members who played for us last night.

There was a lot of talk about the helmet. Preston had decided that if possible, we would win the helmet at auction and give it to Elijah. Some other gentlemen had the same idea and together we purchased the helmet for $900. Soon after the auction ended, Preston was able to present the helmet to Elijah with Jeff Baker, a local business (Survival-Group.com) man who helped put on the event.

This helmet was made possible by Vest Sales & Service, Carolina Fire Shields, Danville Fire Captain Billy Scearce, and Jimy’s custom airbrush and pinstriping!

Probably the coolest part of the evening was seeing the look on Preston’s face when he realized that everything was going to work out to get the helmet to Elijah, and his satisfaction for being a part of a pretty cool event.

As a father, I couldn’t be more proud of my son. Thanks Preston!

Elijah O. is an 8th grader at my sons school. Three weeks ago, I had no idea who Elijah was. I know who he is now thanks to my son. Elijah is battling lymphoblastic lymphoma. His school, William Byrd Middle School, and the community is rallying around him to help support his family.

This helmet was made possible by Vest Sales & Service, Carolina Fire Shields, Danville Fire Captain Billy Scearce, and Jimy’s custom airbrush and pinstriping!

I learned who Elijah is through my son. Both Elijah and my son, Preston, are in band at WBMS. The band program along with the Character in Action Club planned the “Jazz Cafe” this Friday at Thrasher United Methodist Church. There will be music, dessert, coffee, a silent auction, and fellowship to benefit Elijah.

You might be asking yourself what this has to do with firefighting…I am getting to that.

Keep up with Elijah’s Battle on the FB page “Elijah Fights Back”

When my son came home from school with information about the silent auction, he asked me if I could get a helmet shield made to auction off. I told him no problem. Then I told him that people might not know what the helmet shield was for. Obviously, it would be for decoration, but some might not have a clue what it goes on…a fire helmet. I asked him if he wanted me to get a fire helmet. He said yes.

I had Preston design the helmet shield, and I got on the phone. I phoned 3 people…and everything else fell into place.

First I called Captain Billy Scearce of the Danville FD. He has a guy who paints helmets. He said no problem, but that he needed a helmet. His guy, Jimy’s custom airbrush and pinstriping does great work and I have seen some of his painted helmets in the past. If you want to get a hold of Jimy, let me know and I will share his phone number.

Second I called Andrew Vest of Vest Sales & Service (FB page here), a local firefighting supply company. Andrew said he would ship a helmet to Billy right away.

Thirdly I called Mark Rowan of Carolina Fire Shields. I had heard good things about Mark’s work, but I hadn’t seen it in person yet. Mark told me he would take care of it and I texted the design that Preston drew up right to him.

So there it was, with 3 phone calls and a little bit of texting, I had helped my son make his idea happen.

I couldn’t have been more proud of my son for coming up with this idea. Did I mention that this all came about just a few days before FDIC? Yeah, it was hectic, but everything fell together perfectly.

Preston “Gets It”. He understands the power of the Brotherhood and the need to help out others. I am so proud of him. I am grateful for my son in believing in me to help him come up with this great finished product and I am indebted to Billy, Jimy, Mark, and Andrew for getting it completed in no time at all. If you guys ever need anything, just call me. Thanks Brothers!

One other small thank-you is to Captain Willie Wines Jr. who will be covering for me at work this Friday so that I can attend the event with Preston. Thanks Brother!

The helmet will be auctioned off this Friday, May 8th in a silent auction (7-9pm) at Thrasher United Methodist Church in Vinton, VA. And yes…I will be bidding on it.