Temecula, Calif. – 4-year-old Lily Valenta watched as fire engine after fire engine drove by her home honking their horns and sounding their sirens as the young birthday girl watched from the safety of the sidewalk. Seeing fire engines is not a new phenomena for Lily whose dad, Andy Valenta, is a 11 year veteran of Vista Fire Department and recently diagnosed with cancer last Friday.
Fire agencies from all over San Diego County gathered together to form a procession of 12 fire apparatus who wanted to show support for the Valenta family during these trying times.
“We wanted to bring some levity and happiness to what should normally be a special day for all 4-year-olds” said fellow Vista Firefighter Pattrick McDonald. “This is a really trying time for the family and we hope that the outpouring of support is evidence how much Andy and his family mean, not only to the Vista fire family, but those across the county.”
The 33- year-old father of two had recently been feeling ill with frequent headaches. “Over the course of the last six weeks Andy had been in and out of the emergency room without any explanation for the symptoms he had been experiencing. Then last Sunday he suffered a brain bleed” McDonald said. The subsequent diagnosis. Cancer. Either Melanoma or lymphoma that has spread to his brain.
Many members of the department were shocked to hear the news. “It’s just hard to image someone such as Andy, known throughout the department as one of the most gregarious and witty firefighters, coming down with cancer, McDonald said. “It is not uncommon for him to be standing in front of the room having everyone rolling in laughter.”
McDonald spoke to Valenta on the phone who was able to communicate that cancer is throughout his body and that the oncologist is recommending radiation.
“Andy is a special person to me and my family. It was tough to hear the news. I cried when I found out” McDonald said.
With the news spreading of Valenta’s hospitalization a GoFundMe page was created to support the family with food and medical expenses. As of Wednesday night the account has reached over $70,000.
“We are trying to do everything we can to support Andy and his family…They will always have our love,” Said McDonald.
