Valley Firefighter Faces Battle Against Rare, Aggressive Cancer

However, life took an unexpected turn when Leatham received a diagnosis of NUT Carcinoma, an aggressive and rare cancer. Doug Myers, another long-time friend, expressed his shock: “It’s not the news you want to hear. It puts everything else into perspective.” Leatham has been in and out of the ER for three weeks, with Hammond reporting he spent 15 of the past 22 days in the hospital.

Recently moved to the ICU, Leatham’s health has fluctuated. “His body rejected the chemotherapy,” said Hammond. “He was in critical condition, facing liver and kidney failure, but he has shown improvement in the last 24 hours.” Despite these challenges, Leatham’s friends remain hopeful.

Myers emphasized the emotional toll of witnessing his friend in need, noting that firefighters are typically the ones providing support. “To see someone who has always been strong in the role of a brother and a friend is gut-wrenching,” he stated.

Leatham is focused on healing for himself and his family, which includes his wife and two children. Hammond advocated for community support, emphasizing Leatham’s deserving nature during this struggle. He stated, “If anyone deserves to fight and thrive, it’s Scott.”

In light of the challenges ahead, friends have started a GoFundMe campaign to assist Leatham’s family with medical expenses. They hope to provide some relief as they navigate this difficult journey together.