Welcome to My Personal Page
Fellow Firefighters,
I (LAFD Retired) have been diagnosed with ALS and am asking for your support in this fight against ALS, otherwise known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease". ALS United Orange County is having a fundraiser on March 21st. It’s a marathon that starts and finishes in Newport Beach. I and many others have volunteered to push a wheelchair bound friend who has ALS. Any donation that your agency via IAFF can make, would really be appreciated and also broadcasted through media sources within our ALS community promoting IAFF support.
Below is my story.
A Retired LAFD Firefighters Story
My name is Tony Varela, and for thirty-five years I proudly wore the badge like you, my department was LAFD. Ten years into retirement, I was diagnosed with ALS and learned that ALS can hit any of us at any time. This disease is something that we as firefighters need to know about as there are a number of us that have been diagnosed throughout the country. There is no cure.
I proudly raised my son and daughter in Santa Clarita and worked in a number of fire stations throughout my career—each one a small group of guys drinking coffee, trading stories and training for the fire and rescue calls that were sure to come.
Retired in 2013, I now live in Huntington Beach, a place I aimed for after leaving Santa Clarita. I figured as we all do, that I would get to enjoy every minute of retirement and travel around the nation.
I first noticed ALS in my loss of strength. I, like many of you, like to hit certain numbers every time we go to the gym. Well, those numbers were dropping fast and of course, I needed to know why.
A trip to a clinic in Orange County brought an unwanted and surprising diagnosis: ALS. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
I’ve exercised my whole life and competed in the Firefighter Winter Olympics and Summer Olympics, ride dirt bikes and competed in downhill mountain bike races. This is what you get for staying in shape and eating right? (Yes, I know I sound like I’m whining).
The diagnosis didn’t erase the fire I had within though, it redirected it. It’s a different flame now—one that speaks softly, insistent on staying connected to my family, friends and fellow firefighters. The guys I used to work with are always there to cheer me on as I try to live life to the fullest while I can still walk and talk. I will stay positive and hopefully not be a burden to family and friends as this disease progresses.
Thanks for your support in this fundraiser for ALS Research and equipment.
Tony Varela
LAFD Retired
For more information on ALS and ALS United OC, visit www.alsuoc.org.
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I (LAFD Retired) have been diagnosed with ALS and am asking for your support in this fight against ALS, otherwise known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease". ALS United Orange County is having a fundraiser on March 21st. It’s a marathon that starts and finishes in Newport Beach. I and many others have volunteered to push a wheelchair bound friend who has ALS. Any donation that your agency via IAFF can make, would really be appreciated and also broadcasted through media sources within our ALS community promoting IAFF support.
Below is my story.
A Retired LAFD Firefighters Story
My name is Tony Varela, and for thirty-five years I proudly wore the badge like you, my department was LAFD. Ten years into retirement, I was diagnosed with ALS and learned that ALS can hit any of us at any time. This disease is something that we as firefighters need to know about as there are a number of us that have been diagnosed throughout the country. There is no cure.
I proudly raised my son and daughter in Santa Clarita and worked in a number of fire stations throughout my career—each one a small group of guys drinking coffee, trading stories and training for the fire and rescue calls that were sure to come.
Retired in 2013, I now live in Huntington Beach, a place I aimed for after leaving Santa Clarita. I figured as we all do, that I would get to enjoy every minute of retirement and travel around the nation.
I first noticed ALS in my loss of strength. I, like many of you, like to hit certain numbers every time we go to the gym. Well, those numbers were dropping fast and of course, I needed to know why.
A trip to a clinic in Orange County brought an unwanted and surprising diagnosis: ALS. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
I’ve exercised my whole life and competed in the Firefighter Winter Olympics and Summer Olympics, ride dirt bikes and competed in downhill mountain bike races. This is what you get for staying in shape and eating right? (Yes, I know I sound like I’m whining).
The diagnosis didn’t erase the fire I had within though, it redirected it. It’s a different flame now—one that speaks softly, insistent on staying connected to my family, friends and fellow firefighters. The guys I used to work with are always there to cheer me on as I try to live life to the fullest while I can still walk and talk. I will stay positive and hopefully not be a burden to family and friends as this disease progresses.
Thanks for your support in this fundraiser for ALS Research and equipment.
Tony Varela
LAFD Retired
For more information on ALS and ALS United OC, visit www.alsuoc.org.
Achievements
I Donated!
Personal Progress:
of Goal
$950
Raised
$5,000.00
Fundraising Honor Roll
OC Firefighters Local 3631
$500
Anonymous Donor
$250
Tony Martin Varela
$100
Sarah Varela
$100
