For nearly 20 years, Steve Bennett served as a volunteer firefighter, answering calls in the middle of the night, standing on the front lines of emergencies, and always putting others before himself. He spent five years with Winona Lake Engine Company No. 2 in the Town of Newburgh, and another five with the Orange County Hazmat Team, where his dedication, skill, and calm presence under pressure earned the trust of everyone who served alongside him. Though Steve stepped away from active service last year, his heart for helping others has never faded. Now, he and his family are facing a crisis of their own.
Shortly after undergoing a lifesaving liver transplant, Steve was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a condition where the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and difficulty breathing. He was admitted to the Neuro ICU and placed on a ventilator to keep him alive. Two days ago, Steve reached a hopeful milestone: he was taken off the ventilator and is now breathing on his own with the help of BiPAP support. But the path ahead is long. Recovery from GBS can take months or even longer, and the emotional, physical, and financial toll is enormous.
Steve is more than a firefighter. He is a husband, a father, and a deeply loved member of his community. As his wife and daughter stand by his side, they are carrying the weight of this fight with remarkable courage. Now it is time for us to carry some of it with them. We are raising funds to help cover the overwhelming costs of Steve’s ongoing care: hospital bills, therapy, long-term recovery needs, and to support his family through this incredibly difficult journey. Every donation, every share, every kind word makes a difference. Steve never asked for recognition. He simply showed up for years, for everyone. Let us honor that legacy by showing up for him now.
Thank you for your support!
