Courtesy Photo | 159th Maintenance Squadron Tech. Sgt Crystal L. Larrieu asks Tech. Sgt. John A....... read more read more
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By 2nd Lt. Alex Juan
BELLE CHASSE, La. — Guardsmen know how to protect others and their property, but when the fight is against their own life, the enemy is much harder to defeat.
Tech. Sgt. John A. Larrieu, a member of the 159th Maintenance Squadron, was diagnosed with testicular cancer, June 26, 2009. He is currently in remission and has chosen to use the lessons learned during his fight to help others struggling with various types of cancer.
"John Larrieu emerged victorious from his battle with cancer not asking himself, 'how can others help me,' but asking, 'how can I use this experience to help others?'" said Col. Roy V. Qualls, 159th Fighter Wing commander.
Larrieu and his wife, Tech. Sgt. Crystal L. Larrieu, established the Wingman Cancer Foundation, a non-profit, independent organization to help ease the financial burden of medical costs and travel for fellow Guardsmen and their families.
"We were motivated to create this foundation because while I was receiving treatment, we learned the cost of things," said Larrieu. "We were blessed to have our Tricare insurance cover all of the mediacal costs, but not everyone is that lucky."
The Larrieu's hope to raise enough funds to help cover extra expenses for Guardsmen, such as: medications, co-payments, and hotel rooms when treatment is needed at out-of-state medical facilities.
"For Crystal, what meant the most to her was being able to be with me through my treatments and surgeries, and helping me stay positive!" said Larrieu.
"When I heard that John and Crystal were establishing the Wingman Cancer Foundation, I simply could not have been more proud. It is indicative of the quality of people that comprise the 159th Fighter Wing," said Qualls.
The Larrieu's raised approximately $300 during a bake sale to benefit the Wingman Cancer Foundation at Naval Air Station — Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans this year. They plan on holding additional bake sales and a silent auction to raise funds in the upcoming months.
Senior Airman Charlie Fenton, with the 159th Aircraft Maintenance Support Squadron, baked and donated more than 50 cookies for the Wingman Cancer Foundation bake sale, because of his belief in the cause and the military.
"The Larrieu's are just one great example of the many military members that need fundraising support, and I am honored to volunteer for such an amazing effort," said Fenton.
According to Larrieu, his fight against cancer has left him a better, more positive person. He is committed to helping as many people as possible overcome their fight against this deadly enemy. "Ask a lot of questions, read up on your type of cancer and above all, stay positive!" he advises.
| Date Taken: | 03.03.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 03.03.2010 11:00 |
| Story ID: | 46089 |
| Location: | BELLE CHASSE, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 431 |
| Downloads: | 244 |
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