LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Saturday’s first-ever running event dedicated to supporting burn survivors and the Southern Nevada Burn Foundation hit differently.
That’s because someone who runs toward danger to help those in need needs help himself after a recent tragedy.
Organizers like Keith Armington with the Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation say this is a real-life example of why they host events like the inaugural Rise Up Fun Run.
“Over the week, one of our fellow brothers with the North Las Vegas Fire Department suffered a horrific fire at the house where he lived, his wife and daughter are in the hospital. They’re currently being treated right now at UMC,” Armington said.
Armington is talking about the Schuster family.
“They’re going to have a long road of recovery, and every dollar counts,” Armington said.
That’s because a fire ravaged the Schuster family’s home on April 23rd. But the damage still lingers even a few days later. The marks weren’t just left on the house.
“Right now I’m asking to help one of our fellow brother firefighters to recoup some of the funds that they’re going to need for after the fire is out,” Armington said.
The wife and daughter of Scott Schuster, a North Las Vegas Fire Department first responder, have severe burns from that fire, requiring multiple surgeries, skin grafts and extensive physical therapy.
They’re expected to be in the hospital for four to six weeks.
That’s exactly why Erlantz Muguira of the firefighters of the Southern Nevada Burn Foundation says the Rise Up Fun Run is so important.
“We help out through our Burn Survivor Initiative to give our burn survivors counseling, school reintegration program, home modifications, taking care of their families when they’re when they’re here, traveling to Las Vegas to care for their burn survivor patients. All this money that we raised today goes specifically to our burn survivors,” Muguira said.
Survivors like the Schusters will see all that money put to good use.
“Every dollar goes directly to him. The Burn Foundation is going to assume 100% of the fees that are associated with the website. Every single dollar is going to go back to the family. They need it, they’re in need. Please help,” Armington said.
Currently, it’s unclear what caused the fire in the Schuster family home.
The Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation say the fundraiser covers medical expenses, rehabilitation and ongoing care for the family.
If you’d like to donate, go to theburnfoundation.org.
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