Greater Round Lake Firefighter Receives Benefit from Shield 23 Foundation Gifting

On Saturday, December 19, Greater Round Lake Firefighter Lt. Westley Biddenstadt received financial aid to support him in his battle with cancer. Lt. Biddenstadt received his gifting in front of family and fellow firefighters at Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District Station 2. Lake Villa Firefighters were also present, as Lt. Biddenstadt is part-time at Lake Villa Fire Department as well.

"We used [the gifting] to show [our children] how people can help others when needed,"said Lt. Biddenstadt.

By alleviating some of the financial limits and stressors incurred during a battle with cancer, Shield 23 Foundation hopes to offer the support that allows the firefighter with cancer to receive the highest level of care and comfort with their family by their side during their fight against their illness.

"Westley initially expressed reluctance about acknowledging that he could use some help," said Shenan Constantino, the founder and President of Shield 23 Foundation. "This is very common of firefighters diagnosed with cancer that we help. They are the ones used to helping others and can be uncomfortable on the receiving end. But as a family who has been in that position, we learned the power of allowing others to help you in a time of need, and how powerful it can be for the helpers to be able to do something. We are incredibly honored and privileged to have been able to do so for Westley and his wonderful wife and children."

The Shield 23 Foundation was founded in March 2018 by family and friends in memory of 20-year Gurnee, Illinois Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Russell S. Constantino, who passed away November 9, 2009 from active duty related brain cancer. We are a nonprofit organization that raises funds for and gifts funds to firefighters battling cancer and the families that stand beside them.

You can learn more at https://www.shield23foundation.org.