Clay County firefighter has warning for others after Stage 4 cancer diagnosis

A local firefighter is facing a Stage 4 Cancer diagnosis, and wants to raise awareness of risks for other men and women on the job.

Jeremy McKay learned the news less than two weeks ago—he had Adenocarcinoma in his stomach, which had spread to other parts of his body.

“You never feel like it’s going to be you,” he said.

McKay, a father of three, has worked for Clay County Fire Rescue for more than 12 years, and loved every day on job.

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Like other firefighters, the otherwise healthy 44-year old is now raising the question of whether he was exposed to toxins on the job.

“It’s definitely been an eye opener,” said McKay. “I hope it opens up a lot more eyes than just my own.”

Action News Jax has reported that firefighters have a 9-percent higher risk of cancer than the rest of the population.

We also reported that state and local leaders announced a new million-dollar grant to supply more than 4,500 decontamination kits to fire departments throughout Florida, including Clay County.

McKay and his wife hope to see changes in state law that will offer broader protections for firefighters.

Florida lawmakers plan to propose a bill that would provide financial support for firefighters who have certain types of cancer, and their families. It would be covered under the individual’s healthcare plan, rather than Workman’s Comp.

The Sunshine State currently has a “Heart and Lung” law that provides legal protection for firefighters and their families, but cancer is not included under the law.

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McKay’s wife Tanya says the support is needed. She’s had to take time off from her own job because of doctor’s visits.

“It needs to be addressed because these are good men, and their families are suffering,” she said.

Doctors gave McKay two to three years, but he and his wife believe he could live a lot longer with a more tailored treatment. McKay says he himself would continue to serve, despite the circumstances.

“I feel a lot more encouraged now that I’m going to meet the people I need to meet, and find the treatment and care that I need to find to get through this.”

Friends of the McKay family are helping raise money for medical and other expenses. If you'd like to help out the McKay family, click here fo the link to the GoFundMe.

Cox Media Group