John Schuster courageously fights fires and faces dangerous situations rescuing people from harm for a living.
Now the firefighter faces a new fight in his personal life, after his wife, Jackie Schuster, was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer about a year ago.
Jackie Schuster has experienced a lot of changes in her health which has prevented her from working. With two young kids, John Schuster is now the sole provider and faces some additional medical bills on top of everyday living expenses.
Tampa Fire Rescue's Captain Steve Darrey has decided to host a fundraiser to Schuster's family and another firefighter, Gabriel Santos, whose wife Carol Santos fights a similar battle against cancer.
"We're human like anyone else," Darrey said.
"Life unfortunately doesn't stop - the kids still have to continue school, you still have a mortgage, a car payment, etc., so it's very taxing. Hopefully we can make it a little easier on these two families because the last thing they need to worry about is money."
Darrey says they take care of total strangers already, so it's their responsibility to take care of each other.
He and the Tampa Fire Rescue department will host its "Heat and Hops Craft Brew Night," a beer tasting and auction from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday (Aug 25) at the historic Tampa Firefighters Museum, 720 E Zack St.
Admission costs $50 and includes beer samples from local breweries 81Bay Brewing, Swamp Head Brewery, Coppertail Brewing Co. and more, food from local supporting businesses such as Outback, Hooters, Wright's Gourmet House, Fuzzy's Taco Shop and others, as well as live music from a few firemen, raffles, a silent auction and a souvenir Tampa Fire Rescue beer mug.
Guest can also explore the iconic history, culture and significance of the Tampa Fire Department preserved at the museum which shares real-life events, exhibits, and life safety education.
For tickets and more information http://www.tampafirefightersmuseum.org/events/heat-and-hops-craft-brew-night.
Contact Monique Welch at mwelch@tampabay.com.
