ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A group of Albuquerque, New Mexico, firefighters who became Mega Millions winners this week said they're donating money to help save the life of one of their own.
In between fighting fires and saving lives, some firefighters found time to sprint to Circle K and get some mega millions tickets, and that effort paid off. Firefighter Jed Hyland said he had the winning ticket in hand when the numbers were announced.
"Of course, with it being one day before April Fools' and firefighters being who we are, everybody thought it was a prank," Hyland said.
The firefighters matched five of the six numbers. Five firefighters who went in on the ticket won $10,000.
The Albuquerque Fire Department said it is a big family composed of people who support each other through good times and bad. And even though winning money in the lottery was great thing, they said they can't forget one of their own who is in need
Instead of just keeping all of the winnings for themselves, the firefighters said they have decided to donate some of the money to the Survivor Fund and on AFD firefighter Vince Cordova.
Cordova, 24, has a rare aggressive tumor that puts pressure on the circulation of his brain. Doctors said it can be removed by a specialist in Los Angeles, but it will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"(Cordova) has such a great attitude. He looks at it as another challenge, like he would a structure fire that we face as firemen. He's going to overcome it. He's positive and he's strong — that's the kind of man he is," said AFD firefighter Gilbert Baca, who trained Cordova in the academy.
Firefighters said their donation is a drop in the bucket compared to what Cordova needs, but they hope it inspires others.
"We're hoping that our donation and some of the other donations that have been provided by other firefighters and community (members) are going to be able to stimulate awareness to the Firefighter Survivors Fund," Hyland said.
As Cordova prepares for surgery this week, firefighters said they're praying for his quick recovery.
"I know that he's going to do exceptionally well. I know that he will heal up well and be back on shift one day," Baca said.
The winning firefighters said they plan to cash in the ticket all together Monday noon.
Bravo to them all!
NICE!
This reminds me of the 2 Border Guards on The Amazing Race, that gave money to the guy from Kentucky for his daughter!
Good hearted distraction from all the looney-tune nut job stories out there!
So freakin' AWESOME!!! I only wish there were details on how to donate.
Great story Todd!!
Glad to see real down to earth people who actually are willing to do something wonderful for someone else with their lottery winnings.
I know first hand how wonderful the fire departments are in this country.
I never thought I'd see the day when I would have to utilize this service until Oct 2011.
I called and they went into action.
They deserve so much more than they ever receive.
I can't sing their praises enough.
I wish Mr. Cordova a speedy recovery from his surgery.
Just write to the Albuquerque, New Mexico fire department and I'm sure that someone will get back to you with details on how and where to donate.
I love reading stories like this. God Bless the Firefighters & Mr. Cordova I pray for a speedy recovery.
The article reads: "Cordova, 24, has a rare aggressive tumor that puts pressure on the circulation of his brain. Doctors said it can be removed by a specialist in Los Angeles, but it will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars."
Ridiculous, inflated costs! The $10K should be enough to earnestly pay for a few hours of surgery employees' salaries and supplies. Why would someone want to be charged an outrageous fee to go through: 1) The stressful situation of pledging to pay back something they know they couldn't possibly earn near future monies to pay off; 2) After surgery gather strength to fill out paperwork to request Chapter 7 Bankruptcy to discharge the debt; 3) Wait 4 months for response from Federal Bankruptcy Court; and 4) Deal with stress of poor credit report causing woes for the next 24+ months?
I think Cordova is fortunate to have so many friends, who cared for him enough to sacrifice $10K towards his medical condition! I hope the people he hires to work on his head do everything right and all is well for years to come.