Kings County firefighter fights rare form of cancer

Over the last five years Keith Hernandez has fought countless fires throughout the state but now the Kings County firefighter has a battle of his own.

Just before the holidays the husband and father of two caught a cold, it was his wife, Crystal, that urged him to head to the doctor.

Hernandez was diagnosed with (rhabdomyosarcoma) a soft tissue cancer.

"I have a large tumor that's deflated one of my lungs and I also have some other small tumors inside of my other lung," Hernandez said.

While undergoing aggressive chemotherapy Hernandez and his family had to go back and forth to the Bay Area to see a sarcoma specialist.

The community is making sure Keith and his family know they are not in this alone.

"It's overwhelming but I'm extremely grateful to have my friends family and extended family," Hernandez said. "In times of need especially we come together and we're there. We're grateful for them to have great people in our lives."

In addition to a GoFundMe page, Visalia Fire Department have been to his home several times to help with cleaning and yard maintenance. Hanford Fire and Police also held a fundraiser for the Hernandez family.

Hernandez says it's his wife, 3-year-old daughter and newborn son that brings him hope. And he's using this part of his journey to bring awareness to local firefighters to get checked.

The next local fundraiser is February 20th at the Visalia Whyndam. That's going to be put on by the Visalia Chapter of Helping One Woman.

They'll be honoring Crystal for all she's doing to support her husband.

You can RSVP on their Facebook page here.