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Faith, family, wingmen give Rescue Reservist hope

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tanisha Brown
  • Special to the 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  After 39 radiation treatments, three chemotherapy treatments, kidney failure, a blood transfusion and more than 100-pound weight loss, Master Sgt. Brian Ball, 920th Rescue Wing quality assurance inspector, sits at his desk and reflects on the illness that almost claimed his life -- and the people who helped save it.

"In March of 2010 I started coughing up blood," said Ball. "I waited a while to go to the doctor, but when I eventually decided to go, he informed me that I had a tumor the size of a plum on the right side of my esophagus."

Ball said he remembers the day like it was yesterday. April 29, 2010, the day he was diagnosed with Stage III throat cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, there are more than 100 types of cancer; statistically, half of all men and one-third of all women in the U.S. will develop a form of the disease during their lifetime.

Ball knows these statistics and the overwhelming feeling of being diagnosed all too well.
"My life flashed before my eyes the day I was diagnosed," said Ball. "Your mind starts to go quickly; you suddenly begin thinking the absolute worst. I began thinking of death, thinking of the well-being of my family and thinking why.

"I knew I was in for a rough road and I knew I would need a strong support system to get through this," said Ball.

Although there wasn't much anyone could do for Ball physically, Tech. Sgt. Jason Simos, 920th RQW quality assurance inspector and friend of the master sergeant, set out to make his battle easier financially.

"I coordinated 'Brian's Fund' which was a fundraiser to help raise money for any needs he may have had during his struggle," said Simos. "I put up flyers around base, sent out emails and walked from shop to shop to spread the word and take up donations."

With help of individuals from the 920th RQW and Patrick Air Force Base's Top Three Association, Simos was able to raise approximately $2,500 in less than three months.

"When a wounded comrade is in need and you're in a position to help, we do so without question," said Simos. "With the camaraderie of our unit, it just felt like the right thing to do. We're family and that's what family members do for each other."

This very support, along with the moral support from the unit, proved to make all the difference for the master sergeant and his health.

"I can honestly say without faith, family and this unit, I would've lost it," said Ball. "I'm honored to know that our rescue motto: 'These things I do that others may live' does not only apply to our combat and civilian mission, but for everyone in the 920th RQW -- and for this, I am forever grateful."

Ball is happy to report that his cancer is currently in remission and describes his overall health as good. With scheduled doctor visits every six months for the next three years, he hopes his report on April 29, 2015 will be that he is cancer free.

For more information about the 920th RQW, log on to the wing's Web site: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.