District of Columbia Fire Department Engine 32 Truck 16

Brother AJ Pumilia, E-27-4, has been battling a life-threatening brain tumor since August of this year. He has under gone several surgeries. During his most recent surgery, it was discovered that, due to its location and surrounding arteries it would not be able to be fully removed. He has been in a coma since this operation on 12/14/11. He is facing a difficult and extended recovery.

There are several efforts underway to assist Brother Pumilia. The first is covering AJ's shifts, members interested can contact FF Brian Wolf, E-27-4, to sign up. Members may also donate leave directly to AJ through the District of Columbia Government's Voluntary Leave Transfer Program. Forms for this are found on the LAN. You can find more information about AJ and track his recovery at Help AJ Pumilia on Facebook and at 27ENGINE.com. Several fundraising efforts to assist the Pumilias are in the beginning stages as they are finalized, we will provide you with that information. Please keep AJ and his family in your thoughts and prayers as you spend the holidays with friends and family.

UPDATE: Donations to assist the Pumilias can been made through Paypal.

UPDATE 12-23-2011: Today was a good day! AJ had a tracheostomy performed as well as a G tube placed. He is a lot more comfortable due to the fact that he doesn't have any tubes down his throat or through his nose. He is blinking his eyes and squeezing hands on command. His pneumonia seems to have cleared up. He has a system worked out with the nurses to tell him he is in pain. He holds his eyes shut to say "yes" and nothing for no. The nurse asked if he needed pain medication for his belly and he shut his eyes and held them closed, and then a few moments later she asked did that medication work- he held his eyes closed again. AJ was trying to talk, he was moving his lips and turning his head side to side to look at people. He is making progress day by day.

Due to AJ's expected lengthy recovery at Johns Hopkins, we would like to have a member of DCFD be at the hospital with his family and friends at all times. Visiting hours are 12-6 and 8-10. A Google spreadsheet has been created for members to signup. Members are asked to fill in their name and assignment in any available time block. If anyone is interested and has questions, problems, or concerns can contact FF Eric Kolarick, T15-3, at 443-221-8156.

UPDATE 12-24-2011 DAY 10 CHRISTMAS EVE:

AJ looks great since yesterdays procedures. The nurses say that he is breathing on his own, with little oxygen supplement. When his eyes are open, he can see you. Through blinks, I was able to ask him if he wanted to listen to music, and whether he wanted Dropkick Murphys or Christmas music...He wanted Christmas music.