Fundraising effort for New Ken firefighter exceeds goal, public event in works

An online fundraising effort for a New Kensington volunteer firefighter battling cancer has exceeded its goal, and a public event is in the works.

Chris Ploski, 59, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer that spread to the pituitary gland in his brain. Although he works as a security guard, he does not have health insurance and can’t be covered by the insurance carried by his wife, Emily, a van driver for the New Kensington-Arnold School District.

Chris started aggressive chemotherapy treatments on Wednesday, Emily said. She said he’s holding up.

“His fellow firefighters came to visit and he’s been in good spirits,” she said. “We’re still trying to grasp everything that’s been happening to him. It’s a lot to take in.”

A friend, Annette Berardone Meyers, started a GoFundMe campaign hoping to raise $8,000. It exceeded that goal within four days, collecting nearly $9,000 from 116 donors as of Friday morning.

“They need help, and he has helped 1,000s of (people) being a firefighter so it’s time to return the favor,” a donor identified as Laura Thrower posted on the GoFundMe page.

“We are all praying for you and your family at this difficult time!” donors Debbie and Julie Erb posted. “Stay strong and keep fighting!”

In addition to being a firefighter at the city’s No. 2 company, Ploski is also active at Eagles Aerie 533 in the city. Officials with the fire department and the Eagles said they will work together to stage a public fundraising event, a date for which has not yet been set.

They’re leaning toward a spaghetti dinner with raffles, assistant fire Chief Bruce Davis said.

“We’re not going to throw this together,” Davis said. “We want to do it and do it right, do it big. That way we do a good job at it and make as much money as we can for Chris and Emily.”

Davis said those interested in donating but without access to the GoFundMe page can contact him directly by phone at 412-378-6296. Meyers said donors without access can contact her at 724-469-1777.

A bank account might be set up to take donations, Davis said. Some individuals, as well as the fire company itself, have contributed to the couple directly, he said.

“Hopefully this will get them started as Chris starts treatment,” Davis said.

Emily Ploski said Chris is humbled by the support he’s getting.

“Everybody’s been, wow — that’s my new word,” she said. “We’ve been blessed.”