North Madison, Ohio – Community members gather together in support to a pregnant firefighter suffering from ALS along with her unborn daughter, who they will name “Peanut.”
Joyous Baby Shower
The North Madison Volunteer Fire Company was filled with more than 200 families, friends, and colleagues as they celebrated a “Jack and Jill” theme baby shower for Amanda Bernier. She, along with her husband Chris said that the gathering was nothing but a joyous celebration as they prepare for the coming of their baby girl due in November. People gathered in line with the baby shower celebration as well as a demonstration of help to Amanda, who needs urgent care as she undergoes a complex pregnancy.
Lou Gehrig’s Disease
The pregnant firefighter is not only expecting a baby girl soon, but she is also suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that causes motor neuron deterioration. The disease has caused Amanda to be confined to a wheelchair, and also suffered from difficulties in her breathing. She would need an urgent care clinic since she has the most aggressive form of the disease.
Heroes in the Firehouse
Amanda and Chris are both firefighters at the North Madison Fire Department. They themselves provide the community with urgent care clinics in times of emergencies. Kathy DeBurra, a Madison resident and a friend to the couple said that the Fire Department family and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) family have been amazing to the couple. The pregnant firefighter and her husband could be considered as heroes in the community. DeBurra added that it was proven on Sunday, as the occasion was filled with amazing support and love for the Bernier’s. The entire place was fully decorated with balloons, diapers, clothes, and toys as the couple opened the gifts. The tables were also decorated with fire trucks made of diapers. “The room was full of lots of love”, DeBurra claimed.
Raising Funds for Amanda
As the couple were excited with the impending birth, they were worried with Amanda’s health diagnosis as well. Although both of them have worked as volunteer firefighters and emergency medical first responders, Amanda would also require an urgent care near me visit due to her condition. Consequently, a crowd-funding platform was created to help the couple as they go through these pregnancy complications. The goal of the fund-raising platform was $250,000, but with more than 900 donations so far, the funds have already totaled to $87,000. Love, support, and donations for the pregnant firefighter are still outpouring continuously.
