Altavista community raises money for local firefighter battling form of … – WSET

David Cox pictured with his three kids when he was working for the Lynchburg Fire Department.

ALTAVISTA, Va. (WSET) -- David Cox has been fighting fires and helping save lives for 15 years with the Lynchburg Fire Department.

Cox says it's been a life-long dream and has always been his passion.

But his wife Bess Cox said a of couple months ago, he received the worst news of his life.

"As of right now he has been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, which is a form of Muscular Dystrophy," She said.

So now instead of fighting fires, he is fighting for his own life.

Calvary Baptist Church wanted to step in and help the Cox family once word got around their town of Altavista about what he was going through.

Cox and his wife has three kids.

Pastor Seth Peterson decided to put together a basketball tournament and barbecue to raise money for Cox's medical bills.

He said their goal was to raise $5,000, but they surpassed that goal and raised around $6,500.

Calvary Baptist Church is not even the Cox's home church, but have a few friends that are members. Pastor Peterson said their church just wanted to help a family that was in need.

"I've spent my life giving to everybody else," Cox said. "I just feel so humble and you know like I just don't deserve this kind of treatment."

Truman Cox, who has no relation, decided to come out to the fundraiser because David Cox saved his wife's life two years ago while on on duty.

"Well he gave to me and I want to pay back," He said. "So I came out here today to do what I could do to help him and his family."

"I'm Gonna battle and I will be back to my normal strength... it's just gonna take me some time, but I have all you people that are rallying behind me and that just give me more momentum to come back stronger," Cox said.

The Cox family said they are appreciative of everyone that has been helping them in this time of need.

If you you were unable to attend the fundraiser, you can still help the Cox family out by donating to their gofundme page.

All of the money raised will go towards Cox's medical bills.

"That money has helped us focus on his healthcare and not worry about the bills because you know, he has been without a salary for some time now," Bess Cox said. "That money has been a blessing because I haven't had to worry about the house payment... I mean that's kept us going."

Although Cox had to quit working for the Lynchburg Fire Department, he is still running calls with the Altavista Volunteer Fire Department.

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Altavista community raises money for local firefighter battling form of ... - WSET