Selfless Ocean County, NJ Firefighter Selling Bed on Facebook to Pay For Cancer Treatment
Are you a member of the Jersey Shore Marketplace on Facebook? I check to see what's out there every now and then, but a listener shared a listing that shocked me.
At first glance, Ron Smith of Bayville hit hard times and was selling his bed because he was out of work and needed the money. What we didn't know if why Ron was out of work.
After this Facebook post caught traction, we came to find out Ron Smith an Ocean Gate firefighter that is battling Leukemia and that is why he not working.
Not surprisingly, offers of help flooded the comment section of the post. Strangers were requesting Ron's Venmo account to send him money.
Ron Smith was recently diagnosed with APL Leukemia. He joined the Ocean Gate Fire Department last year and completed classes in March to become a certified firefighter. Ron, like many firefighters, follows in his father's and his grandfather's footsteps. Ron's father, Ron Smith Sr, was a volunteer Firefighter in Maine, and his Grandfather, William Britton, was an ex-Chief of East Dover Fire Company and a fire commissioner in Toms River.
Ron has already begun treatment and will be out of work for quite a while. He is the sole support for his family.
The Ocean Gate Fire Department has set up a GoFundMe page on Ron's behalf. On the page, the Fire Department expressed that they are providing as much help as they can, but more is needed for Ron to win his battle.
Ron, his wife Emily, and their four children would appreciate any support you can provide.
Remember, as a firefighter, Ron wouldn't hesitate to run into a burning house or building to save your life or the lives of your family. Let's support a man that puts his life on the line for a living.