On today’s show:
This episode is one of the most important I have done. Katie Beucus joins the show to discuss the struggles she went through navigating the claims system after her husband, Aaron, was diagnosed with an occupational cancer after 18 years as a wildland firefighter. From multiple claims officers, years of delays, claims denials, and being hung up on while trying to prove she was the widow of Aaron.
The system is broken.
In 2004, Aaron began his fire service career at the age of 19. He initially worked as a Forestry Technician and Hotshot Crewmember with the U.S. Forest Service on the Descanso Ranger District in the Cleveland National Forest. In 2008, Aaron joined CalFire as a Hellitack Crewmember and Rescue Specialist at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, CA. Later, he returned to the U.S. Forest Service, working as a Forestry Technician, Assistant Fire Engine Operator, and ultimately as a Fire Engine Operator, all while serving his community with dedication and compassion.
In February 0f 2022, Aaron was diagnosed with Telangiectatic Osteosarcoma of the Lumbar Spine, an aggressive bone cancer that developed as the result of his work in firefighting. Aaron fought his disease with everything he had, enduring over a dozen surgeries on his spine, six cycles of the most cytotoxic chemotherapies on the market and seven weeks of daily high dose radiation.
In his greatest act of courage, Aaron faced death head on, saying goodbye to his children for whom we know his love is not bound by heaven, with immense grace and gratitude for every second of his life, every experience and every friendship.
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