TOLLAND – The community of Tolland is rallying around 22-year-old Kevin Littlefield. Lieutenant of the Tolland Fire Department, Littlefield was diagnosed in early February with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
With Littlefield undergoing his first round of chemotherapy on Tuesday, doctors have informed him that they anticipate him doing chemo until August if all goes well. All of the doctor’s visits and medical bills that Littlefield and his family will have to deal with is sure to add up.
In order to make sure the Littlefield family doesn’t have to face a financial burden, Courtney Littlefield, Kevin’s sister-in-law, is organizing a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit for him on May 5 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Tolland Public Safety Complex.
Kevin Littlefield is seen with Deputy Fire Chief Jeff LaCasse at a past fire training exercise. (Photo courtesy of Courtney Littlefield)
People can help pay for Littlefield’s expenses by purchasing a ticket to the dinner for $30. If someone can’t attend the benefit, but still want to make a donation, they can call Courtney at 413-320-9618. It costs $15 for children that are 12-years-old and younger.
Besides dinner at the event, there will be music and a raffle. The Tolland Fire Department will cover all of the food expenses and Littlefield’s family and friends will set up the fundraiser and prepare the food.
Courtney Littlefield sees this as a great opportunity for people to help someone out who was always willing to return the favor.
“He’s given to this community in the sense of volunteering as a fireman,” said Littlefield. “This is a way for the community to give back to him and really help the family out.”
Jeff LaCasse, who is the Deputy Chief of the Tolland Fire Department, has known Kevin for eight years and was his partner for most trainings at the department. Knowing Kevin’s brothers and father who have all worked in the Tolland Fire Department, he’s seen the desire Kevin has to be a firefighter.
“Kevin grew up with the fire service in his blood,” said LaCasse. “He’s kind of following in his family’s footsteps.”
Noting that cancer in fire services is a major concern throughout the United States, LaCasse wants the community to come together and help out a local firefighter in need.
“It just sucks that it’s happening to a 22-year-old kid who has his whole life ahead of him,” said LaCasse. “This is definitely something that we want to rally around.”
LaCasse added that any amount that people can donate will only help Kevin and his family pay the medical bills.
“It’s just one less stress so he can focus on his health and getting better,” said LaCasse.
If anyone has questions about the fundraising event or how to donate, contact Courtney Littlefield at 413-320-9618.
