Dedication - event during tough times

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shane Smith
  • 920th RQW Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  As reservists, sometimes the call to duty interferes with a member's personal life. Sometimes it is just easier to reschedule.

For traditional reservist Staff Sgt. Jason Evans however, the call to duty is a priority, even during tough times.

A few months ago, the thirty-one-year-old member of the 920th Rescue Wing
Aeromedical Staging Squadron was diagnosed with stage four Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer.

This is a cancer of the lymph nodes that has spread to his lungs, heart, bones and blood.

Although the diagnosis seems daunting, his doctors say the prognosis is optimistic as long as he continues to receive the necessary treatments, including regular sessions of chemotherapy.

Since beginning his treatments in March, he has not been able to work at his civilian job as a dialysis nurse in Lake County, Fla.

He has had to move back home with his parents and struggles to pay his bills, including his rising medical expenses.

He does not have medical insurance and has exhausted his and his family's savings trying to fight this battle, he said.

Sergeant Evans said he has another eight months of therapy left and doesn't quite know how he is going to manage.

With all of this going on, Sergeant Evans borrows money to buy gas for his car to attend his Unit Training Assembly weekends. "That is the dedication this man has to our unit," said Tech. Sgt. Byron Willams, one of Sergeant Evans' close friends and colleagues. "His humble commitment inspires us all," he added.

Inspiring members of the 920th's Combat Rescue Top Three to act, a series of fundraisers were held in his name at Uno's Chicago Grill in Viera, Fla., in June.

"We had a great showing and the restaurant offered to contribute 20 percent of the total bill from anyone who presented a fundraiser coupon," said event organizer Senior Master Sgt. Steve Lacy.

"We raised $651 and individuals gave another $851," Sergeant Lacy said. "Jason and his family are overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity," he added.

Sergeant Lacy added that Sergeant Evans is doing better and has two more treatments after which the doctors will reevaluate.

A medical technician with the 920th for over 10 years, Sergeant Evans said he is determined to beat his illness and serve another 10 years.
On Saturday of the UTA, the soft-spoken sergeant will proudly put on his military uniform.
He will continue to administer the immunization shots and learn the skills necessary to heal battle wounds.

After sign-out on Sunday, Sergeant Evans will return home to relentlessly fight his own battle - with cancer - until the wounds have healed and a victory is declared over his illness.