A tribute to Debbi Wood
A special addition to the bike jerseys this year was a tribute to Debbi Wood
Debbi lost her eight-year battle with cancer on March 12, 2008. Debbi had been the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) Wellness Coordinator since this programs inception. Debbi was a pioneer. She not only served the FCSN, she established the “Wellness Coordinator” position and through exceptionally hard work, served to provide the fire service with the vision and mission of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
We learned through Debbi’s commitment that “love is when another person’s needs are more important to you than your own.” Debbi loved what she did, reaching out to fire service members who were facing cancer just like she was. She did it with passion, dedication and never did she share her own difficulties, rather remained focused, continuing to support others with her compassion. Truly a testimony to her efforts are the numerous stories of Debbi’s ability to touch many FCSN members in their hour of need; she would persist with phone calls and emails when members had follow up doctor appointments just to check in and see how they were doing.
Debbi has a beautiful family to whom we must now reach out in the hopes of giving back some of the very ideals Debbi promoted: “comfort, strength and hope.” Her husband Steve, (a Battalion Chief with Brea Fullerton F.D. California), her son Daniel her daughters Kelli and Nikki, her parents George and Barbara, and brother Jerry are now are faced with the loss of a wife, mother, daughter and sister.
The entire board of directors of the FCSN shared some wonderful moments, including more than a fair share of tears. Though we no longer have Debbi with us, her spirit and memory will always provide the FCSN direction and energy to reach out and provide assistance and education.
As we spent time together in her final hours in her home where she was at peace, her legacy was displayed on her fireplace mantle; the “Founders Award.” This award was given to distinguish an FCSN member who displayed above and beyond the vision and mission of the FCSN. She was the premier recipient of this award and has set the standard by which future aspirants will be considered. This award has now been renamed to the Spirit of Debbi Wood presented to others that have displayed and demonstrated the same characteristics, compassion and dedication as Debbi. There are no words that can describe the difficulty associated with those final hours; however the memories and love for her and her entire family will always bring a special feeling to our hearts and a smile on our faces. Debbi will be missed. Her legacy will live forever in all those she has touched and those who will be touched by what she has done.
