Photo Courtesy of http://www.heartfordwight.com/ website

Dwight Douglas served previously as a Chaplain for Portland Fire & Rescue and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. In May 2006, Chaplain Douglas was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.  Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle.  In these conditions, the heart muscle becomes enlarged or abnormally thick or rigid.  In rare cases, the muscle tissue in the heart is replaced with scar tissue.  He underwent a heart transplant in June 2006.  In December 2008, Dwight learned that a valve in his new heart was leaking excessively.  In February 2009, further testing revealed that the arteries of his heart were beginning to narrow and close off. 

Dwight currently needs a second heart transplant.  To help Dwight and his family raise money to cover the transplant expenses and other expenses related to his medical care, a pancake breakfast is being held in his honor at the Aloha Church of God on 18380 SW Kinnaman Road in Aloha, Oregon.  Volunteers and eaters are needed! 

Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 8:00 am to 11:30 am

Aloha Church of God -- 18380 SW Kinnaman Road Aloha, Oregon

$7.00 for adults, children ages 5 and under are free 

Visit Dwight Douglas’s website at http://www.heartfordwight.com/.  

Chaplaincy…Serving Those Who Serve

Everyday, people call on local fire services for help. The calls range from simple fires, to auto accidents, to structure fires with people inside. The victims include the very young to the very old. Seeing death and physical injuries can be difficult for firefighters and can produce feelings of guilt, helplessness, or anger.

Many fire agencies have implemented Chaplaincy Programs that provide counseling support to firefighters and on-scene support to victims and their families.  Fire Chaplains can also provide spiritual guidance, be a liaison with hospitals and clinics, explain insurance and benefits, and conduct/assist at funerals and weddings. 

November 10, 2009