Relay 2010 Dedicated to Firefighters Andy Troncale and Gerry Martin

Captain Andy Troncale

 Captain Andy Troncale has been a firefighter for the Arcadia Fire Department for the last 30 years. On March 25th, 2009, Andy was diagnosed with having a brain tumor.

One week later, at Huntington Memorial Hospital, doctors performed brain surgery to remove the tumor and discovered it to be malignant.  Andy received a full body scan to determine the source of the cancer. 

Doctors discovered that Andy had stage IV colon cancer. The cancer spread to his brain through his blood stream and not through the lymphatic system. January 2010 doctors found Andy had two spots on his liver and now he is currently in the middle of six months of chemotherapy. On May 6, 2009, Andy Troncale retired from the Arcadia Fire. Andy was born and raised in West Covina, California.  He currently resides in Alta Loma with his wife Debbie and their three sons, Clark 20, Chad 19 and Clint 15. 

Andy has received several awards during his career with the Arcadia Fire Department. In 1984 and 1986 he was given the Exceptional Service Award.  In 2001 and 2009 Andy was awarded Firefighter of the Year

 
Gerry Martin

For the Past 20 Years, Gerry Martin Has worked for the Arcadia Fire department.  His first two years were spent as a Firefighter, and the last 18 years as a Firefighter/ Paramedic. Prior to Gerry’s career with the Arcadia Fire Department, he spent four years serving our Country in the NAVY.

Gerry was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in May 2009. During his first surgery they found the cancer had metastasized (cancer that has spread from its original location). 

It was also discovered at this time that in addition, Gerry also had Prostate Cancer. He has had a colostomy bag since the surgery.

Gerry Martin is currently going through Chemo at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Ontario. He will complete Chemo treatments in May after that they will remove the Colostomy Bag. Gerry has had his good days and his bad days but he continues to fight.

Gerry and His wife Colleen of thirty two years, reside in Alta Loma, CA.  Gerry and Colleen have three children: Justin 21, Jesse 16 and Alexandra 13.

Throughout their years of service with Arcadia Andy and Gerry has formed life long friendships and experienced the true meaning of being a Firefighter. The Firefighters at the Arcadia Fire Department are to be commended for their devotion to Andy, Gerry and their families during this difficult period.

California Division Announces Team Blitz! Beginning January 11, 2010 and continuing through March 15, 2010, the California Division is calling on every volunteer and staff to recruit five new team captains for 2010 Relay For Life events. Our goal is 2,500 new fundraising teams statewide. With greater awareness and participation in Relay For Life, we'll be able to raise the income needed to continue serving our communities with free programs, services, and information. Get your Blitz Toolkit! Visit our Relay For Life website to view our Blitz Tips Video, grab How To and FAQ documents, and track your teams! Spread the Word! Recruit your friends, family, and colleagues to start a team for Relay For Life. You can download our sample scripts to help you recruit in person, or our status updates to promote on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Looking for more inspiration? Connect with us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, or check out our Relay For Life website to get updates on the blitz!
	The American Cancer Society Relay For Life unites communities across the country each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.  We are committed to helping people get well, stay well, find cures, and fight back against cancer. The monetary support you provide is invested wisely. Learn more about how your donation helps save lives in California.
Connect and Share with us Facebook Twitter Flickr Supporter Badges