Pennsauken Community Rallies Around Ill Volunteer Firefighter
When Kevin Sochanchak went to the doctor’s about severe, recurring heartburn, the last thing he expected to hear was, “It’s cancer.” But after far too many visits to far too many doctors, that’s the shocking news the longtime Pennsauken resident received on Sept. 4.
Pennsauken volunteer firefighter Kevin Sochanchak, seen here with his girlfriend Ashley Wood, was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer in September. A fundraiser will be held on Friday, Nov. 14 in order to help offset the cost of Kevin’s medical treatment.
Sochanchak, a 24-year-old volunteer firefighter with the Delaview Fire Company, is battling Stage 4 stomach cancer. But he isn’t battling it alone. Kevin is supported by his longtime girlfriend Ashley Wood, his high school sweetheart whom he cared for during her own fight with thyroid cancer three years ago; Ashley’s mom, Carol; Kevin’s own mother and five siblings; his firefighting “family;” and many members of the Pennsauken community. And to help with Kevin’s ever-mounting medical bills, his family and friends are sponsoring a beef and beer to raise funds to offset the costs of his treatment.
“It’s awesome that they’re doing that,” says Sochanchak. “I’ve got a lot of great family and friends.”
The “Raising Some Love For Kevin” event, held on Friday, Nov. 14 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., was originally slated to be held at the Delaview Fire House, but quickly outgrew the venue. The fundraiser is now being held at Colleen’s at the Savoy, 1444 Rt. 73 in Pennsauken with 400 tickets being sold. Tickets are $35 per person and $60.00 a couple. The event features a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, door prizes, and a DJ. There is also a fundraising “after party” held from 11:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. at Bobby Ray’s Pennsauken Tavern, 6324 Westfield Ave.
“We’re amazed on how this whole event is coming together. It’s really great,” says Ashley Wood. “We’re going to get him through this.”
For more information on the fundraiser, visit “Raising Some Love – with a Beef & Beer” on Facebook. An online fundraising effort has also been started at http://www.gofundme.com/KevinSochanchakFUND.
