A monetary donation was made to Scott and Stacy Thomas Saturday morning by the Indiana Patriot Guard. Presenting Thomas with the check is Russ Bauer, IPG ride captain, at far right. Also pictured is Lisa Bauer, left, and Stacy Thomas with Addyson, 20 months. (Photo by Stacey Page)

A firefighter diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor is getting help from the community as he battles the disease while simultaneously preparing for a new addition to his family.

Scott Thomas, 30, and his wife, Stacy, of Warsaw, are already the parents to Addyson, 20 months. In mid-June, the couple will welcome a son. Although they are excited for the birth of their second child, the couple is also facing the realization of an uncertain future.

“It’s possible I’ll be just starting radiation when the baby comes,” said Scott Thomas. “There’s just so many unknowns right now.”

About a month ago, Scott was diagnosed with a slow growing brain tumor. As he undergoes more testing to determine if the Stage 2 tumor is operable and what treatments are available, a fellow firefighter and his best friend, Jeremy Williams, has stepped up to engage the community and ask for its help.

Addyson Thomas and her mom, Stacy, were surprised to see all of the diaper donations that have so far come in to the Warsaw Fire Department. (Photo by Stacey Page)

Williams organized a diaper drive and a gift card collection effort that has so far gathered several cases of diapers and many gift cards for the family. Scott is currently on medical leave from his job as a firefighter with Goshen. The diaper and gift card donations are a blessing for the family.

“We really want to express how thankful we are to everyone for their help and support,” said Scott.

“The thoughts and prayers and positive stories we really appreciate right now,” Stacy added. “Those things help a lot, too.”

This morning, Russ Bauer of the Indiana Patriot Guard stopped by the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory Station 2 to donate $200 to the Thomas family. Bauer said the collections come from donations of Patriot members and fundraisers noting, “We’re known to help our service people and to us firemen, police officers, medics, they’re service people and we’ll help them, too.”

A pancake and sausage breakfast and bake sale was also held this morning at the Winona Lake Fire Department. Proceeds from those events will also go to the Thomas family.

The diaper drive and gift card collection continues at both Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory stations. Thomas will soon be going for treatments at the Cleveland Clinic. The donations  will help he and his wife provide the basic needs for their children so they can focus on the new baby and fighting Scott’s illness.

Diaper and gift card donations may be dropped off at either fire station in Warsaw. The Goshen Fire Department is also collecting diapers and gift cards for the Thomas family and donations may be dropped off at any of those stations as well.

On Friday, May 17, Multi-Township EMS is having a chicken barbecue to also benefit the Thomas family. Beginning at 11 a.m., Nelson’s chicken will be sold at MTEMS station on East Center Street. Proceeds from chicken sales will be split 50/50 between MTEMS’s One Heart Program and the Scott Thomas Fund. For tickets or more information call 574-269-1975.

There is also a fund set up for anyone able to make financial donations. The Scott Thomas Fund has been established at Interra Credit Union by the Goshen Fire Department Union. Checks may be mailed to Goshen Central Fire Station, 209 N. 3rd St., Goshen, IN 46528, with “Scott Thomas Fund” in the memo line or donate directly into the account at any Interra branch.