Nebraska Firefighters Get Cuts for Cancer

March 19, 2007
Hundreds of people banded together on Sunday to help a firefighter who is battling cancer.

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Hundreds of people banded together on Sunday to help a firefighter who is battling cancer.

Papillion Fire Captain Jeff Jones is now in treatment to fight the cancer.

His fellow firefighters and the community have stepped up to help him, his wife and their eight children while Jones fights B cell lymphoma.

Hundreds of people were at the Firefighters Union Hall for chili, music and camaraderie with Jones and his family.

"The firefighters in Papillion set this benefit up for me and my family," Jones said.

"Jeff is one of our brothers," said organizer Jason Schendt. "Immediately, when we found out something was wrong, we pulled this together as quickly as possible."

Two weeks ago, Jones' fellow firefighters shaved their heads and raised $5,000 for the family's expenses and to help offset medical costs. Dozens of items were donated to raise money on Sunday, including the anonymous donation of a $5,000 jewelry set from Borsheims, which was auctioned off.

Other auction items included a puppy that sold for $600, and a volleyball signed by the national championship Huskers.

"I came in here today, and to see all of these people," Jones said. "I get a little emotional. It's amazing. The money is one thing, but the show of support from people the hugs, knowing there's all of these people behind you when you go through something like this -- it's just as important. I can't describe how much this means to me and my family to see all the effort people have put into it."

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