| Last week, Simon Thomas, past Assistant Chief of the Solmons VRSFD and career firefighter with the National Institute of Health (NIH) was critically injured while vacationing in Florida. Since the accident, he has been in a coma with severe head trauma and swelling and is listed in critical condition. Simon underwent surgery for a decompressive craniectomy. It successfully reduced his ICP and they hope to see a reduction in his score.
The firefighters from West Palm Beach Fire and Rescue have been making daily visits to the family to offer support and provide meals. His fellow brothers as NIH have been in contact with the Don't Panic Foundation and two Chapters of the Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society which are working to provide some of the additional help needed over the long road ahead.
Fundraising events are now in the beginning stages. The Local F-271 from NIH has established a Benefit fund to centrally funnel money needed to aide Simons. Checks may be made payable to the Simon Thomas Benefit Fund and mailed to:
Simon Thomas Benefit Fund
c/o The Professional Firefighters of the NIH
PO Box 341832
Bethesda, MD 20827
Or donations can be collected via PayPal at,
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YUY74V7MGYZ6A
Anyone wishing to send items such as Get Well cards, gift baskets, pictures, etc (flowers are NOT allowed in ICU) can mail them to Lori Lodge at:
Simon Thomas
c/o Lori Lodge-Howell
6703 Geminata Oak Court
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
Please keep Simon and his family in your thoughts and prayers. |
