A Hero’s Fight Against Cancer
Chicago firefighter Matthew Knight is currently battling a rare form of bone cancer known as chondrosarcoma. His journey has brought together a community of supporters who have raised nearly $80,000 through a campaign initiated by The Yard Foundation. As he prepares to start treatment next week, Knight is also anticipating the arrival of his second child.
A Community Comes Together
When a firefighter is in need, the support from the community is often swift and unwavering. This has been especially true for Matthew Knight, a dedicated member of the Chicago Fire Department. His story highlights how first responders, friends, and local residents are coming together to support him during this difficult time.
Knight, who works out of Engine Company 73 in Auburn Gresham, was diagnosed with bone cancer last August. For the past decade, he has served the city with dedication. However, his journey took an unexpected turn after he suffered a broken arm on the job. Scans revealed that he had a rare form of bone cancer called chondrosarcoma.
After undergoing major surgery, Knight spent several months free of cancer. However, one month ago, on May 5, another scan showed that the cancer had returned — this time spreading to his lungs. Despite these challenges, Knight remains resilient. He has a young son who is about to turn one, and he and his wife are expecting their second child soon. As their family grows, Knight is preparing to begin treatment next week.
The Yard Foundation’s Role
Firefighters are typically the ones offering help, but in this case, it’s the community that is stepping up. Brian Cramer, a volunteer with The Yard Foundation, shared his thoughts on the situation. “Firefighters, we don’t like being in front of the camera, and we don’t like asking for help, but when someone needs help, we’re there for them,” he said.
The Yard Foundation, a nonprofit based in Chicago, supports firefighters facing difficult circumstances. “It doesn’t matter if a firefighter or their family member is sick, hurt, or has some sort of tragedy; we’re happy to help however we can, whether it’s a couple of thousand dollars or buying a wheelchair,” Cramer explained.
This week, the organization launched a campaign called a Mayday Alert, which has already raised nearly $80,000. “The support we receive from the community is just amazing. It doesn’t matter if it’s from some rural town in Kentucky to a big city like Chicago, every little penny helps,” Cramer added.
The Impact of Support
As the support continues to pour in, Knight is sharing what the fire service and the Chicago community mean to him. “You get to work with your best friends all day, and what more can you ask for than that,” he said. “I’ve been crying the most when it comes down to how kind people have been, without a doubt, we’ve just had so much love here.”
About The Yard Foundation
The Yard Foundation supports members of the fire service across all 50 states. Since its founding in 2021, the organization has raised $7 million to support firefighters and their loved ones. Every dollar raised goes directly to the families it supports, with no portion of those funds kept by the organization.
What’s Next?
The Yard Foundation is hosting its 6th Annual White Sox Outing on Saturday, June 27. This event is an opportunity for the community to come together and support the foundation’s mission. To learn more about the nonprofit or to donate to its cause, visit their website.
