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Community Corner

Oswego Firefighter Battling MS 'Keeps Pushin' On'

Dave Sackett recently received a diagnosis that will change his life forever. But he hasn't let it slow him down.

“It is what it is. Keep pushin’ on!”

Those are the words that Oswego Fire Protection District firefighter/paramedic Dave Sackett finds himself saying a lot these days. Sackett was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and is doing his best to carry on in the face of this crippling disease. Sackett will lead a team of family and friends Sunday at Walk MS 2011 on Chicago’s lakefront.

“I don’t call it a disease; I call it my challenge,” said Sackett of his MS diagnosis.

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Sackett said he spent 22 years in the business world of sales and marketing before realizing he “had enough with the corporate world and ethical issues started to bug me.” Ten years ago, Sackett quit his six-figure income to pursue his “lifelong dream” of being a firefighter.

“I am much happier doing what I’m doing, and it is definitely a better fit for me,” said Sackett.

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In August 2009, Sackett’s required annual physical revealed a prominent heart murmur. Further testing revealed a birth defect which required open heart surgery. Sackett was out of work from October 2009 until February 2010 as an allergic reaction led to two further surgeries – the second of which nearly killed him.

Sackett mentioned some right-side weakness during the August 2009 physical but that issue became secondary to fixing his heart. In August 2010, Sackett was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

His co-workers at the fire house have been with Sackett every step of the way. The firefighters really are a brotherhood, said Sackett’s wife of more than 30 years, Pieper Sackett.

“They definitely are an extended family," she said.

During Sackett’s heart surgery, “someone was at the hospital or our house all the time.” One day, Pieper said, she came home from the hospital to a freezer full of food, courtesy of  Oswego firefighters.

MS has not changed Sackett's daily work routine. He completes all trainings, all house duties and all physical tests. However, he is more cautious and refuses to take any risks that put himself, co-workers or patients in danger.

“There are some risks not worth taking,” Sackett said. “I’ve done everything right. Everyone knows what’s going on, and we’re all on the same page. I have to be honest with myself. I realize it will eventually take me off the street."

Even though Sackett is starting to show some of the very early symptoms of MS, Battalion Chief Jeff Warren said he's still a valuable part of the crew.

“Dave is an all-around great guy. He is the guy who’s always there for you, not only at work. He thinks about everyone else before himself,” Warren said. “Dave really has a great attitude. He’s a fighter and doesn’t let his diagnosis affect him. I hope (MS) doesn’t take him off the job anytime soon.”

In October, Sackett created a team to participate in Walk MS 2011. Sackett’s FF/PM nickname is DaveBob – a play on his name Sackett being similar to (Bob) Saget. Thus, he leads Team DaveBob, which includes 39 members of his extended family.

Originally, Sackett set a team goal of raising $2,500 for the walk. The goal is now $15,000, which the team is on pace to exceed.

Raising money for the National MS Society is “such a great cause. I believe in it and I’m excited to be a part of it,” said Sackett. The National MS Society has very low administrative costs, explained Sackett, more than 80 percent of funds raised go directly to research.

Sackett said when he started raising funds for the walk his marketing and sales background kicked in. He has sought out sponsors and organized several fundraisers around town. 

Walk MS 2011 is sponsored by The National MS Society – Greater Illinois Chapter. Currently, there are more than 3,800 people registered to walk. Sackett ranks No. 6 for top fundraising individuals, having personally raised more $8,000.

“When people receive a diagnosis like this, it shows you all the people in your life and how strong you are as a person and as a family. You realize you have so much support. We can’t thank people enough,” Pieper Sackett said.

The following are just some of Sackett's local supporters:

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