By EMS1 Staff
EASTON, Conn. — A cancer survivor who is currently waiting for a kidney donor became an EMT after an EMS crew helped him while he fought for his life.
WTNH reported that volunteer EMT Adam Goldstein, 37, was diagnosed with stage 4 testicular cancer when he was 21.
“When I got to the hospital they did a CAT scan and they had told me that they had found cancer throughout my body,” Goldstein said.
Goldstein said he was inspired to join EMS after an EMS crew helped him when he was undergoing chemotherapy and blood transfusions.
“When I had cancer on several occasions when I was home I had some issues. I had some breathing problems, I had some pain problems and so my parents had called the ambulance in Easton and they came and took care of me,” Goldstein said.
After beating cancer, Goldstein trained to be an EMT.
“It felt good to be able to contribute and help those who helped me,” he said.
Goldstein’s kidneys failed a few years later and he must have dialysis a few times a week after a failed transplant.
“The unfortunate thing about dialysis is that it is not a permanent solution,” Goldstein said. “As time goes by, you start to feel weaker. You don’t heal as well from things. You are more prone to illness.”
Despite the amount of time needed for the dialysis, Goldstein still finds time to volunteer as assistant chief of administration for Easton EMS.
“I’ve been here since 2002. I have a lot of great co-workers that really help support and understand what I’m going through,” he said. “Volunteering here gives me the option to feel like I am contributing to society and not just wasting my days away going to treatment.”
Goldstein said he encourages everyone to participate in the living donor program.
https://www.facebook.com/easton.ems/posts/1500570413367854