LEARN MORE: Charity for First Responders - Answering the Call 911
Nothing prepares you for the moment when your everyday heroes need heroes of their own. When Ronnie Doumitt watched his police colleague and friend Josh contract a flesh-eating bacteria that nearly claimed his life, he discovered a shocking truth: despite swearing an oath to protect our communities, first responders have virtually no safety net when catastrophe strikes their own lives.What followed was a harrowing four-month journey that changed everything. As Josh underwent 27 surgeries and repeatedly "died on the operating table," Ronnie witnessed his friend's wife Melissa balance hospital vigils with homework help for their children, all while facing potential financial ruin. The community rallied, raising $100,000 to save Josh's life—but the experience revealed a systemic failure that Ronnie couldn't ignore.From this crisis emerged Answering the Call, a nonprofit that has since donated over $1.4 million to first responders facing medical emergencies both on and off duty. Through whiskey raffles, ladies' nights, trivia events, and their upcoming Resiliency Gala, they've created a powerful safety net for those who protect us every day."It's our duty to lighten their load," Ronnie explains with palpable emotion. "I want to give it back to you because it's extremely heavy. It's a heavy damn pack. But let me lighten your load for just a little bit."The most powerful part? How little it takes to make a difference. Through their 9-11 program, community members donate just $9.11 monthly—less than a fancy coffee—creating sustainable support that allows injured first responders to focus solely on healing.Ready to answer the call for those who always answer yours? Visit act911.org to donate or learn about upcoming events. Because without the safety and security first responders provide, nothing else matters—and it's time we showed up for them the way they always show up for us.
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