Believe…

in facing challenges with confidence.

Brent Nogle

In 2020, after months of digestive issues, my doctor referred me to a GI specialist. Based on my symptoms, a colonoscopy was the next step. Not long after the exam, a large tumor was found. Two days later, a call that would change our lives. It was colon cancer.

I told family and friends. As a firefighter/paramedic for 11 years, I also called my union president and then my Fire Chief, who was very supportive. He said two things: “How can I help? Contact the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN).”

Scott Jennie, FCSN, sent me a toolkit and was there to help me through my cancer journey. He is someone I can talk to who has been through cancer, and he was the most valuable tool that I didn’t know I needed. Still trying to find my new normal, I returned to work after 9 months. Right before my 1st cancer remission anniversary, I began having familiar symptoms.

With a recurrent diagnosis, I’m writing this “survivor story,” lying on the couch, recovering from another successful surgery. This has been a battle, and I am fighting. My wife, Diane, two kids, family, friends, all my fire department brothers and sisters, and the FCSN all have my back. Knowing this, I wake up and confidently take on the challenges I face.