EXCLUSIVE: Central New York Sends Patches To Firefighter Fighting to Survive [VIDEO]

Patches from around the world are arriving for a volunteer firefighting fighting to survive. Several are from Central New York..

Volunteer firefighter Jake Minnick  has gone from fighting fires to fighting for his life after suffering a massive heart attack. His wife Jessica is trying to put a smile back on Jake's face by reaching out to Fire Departments with one simple request; send department patches to show support from his brothers.

The support came rolling in. 68 patches arrived the first day with many more to follow. "Mostly they come from the East coast and I truly believe it's from you sharing our story and getting the word out. There's at least 30 that came from New York alone," says Jessica.

Jake suffered a massive heart attack shortly after his youngest son was born premature. A recent check up ended with Jake in the emergency room due to possible clogged or failing stents. He is now waiting to be put on the transplant list for a new heart. An ordeal Jessica says has left her husband depressed and sad. "I really thought the worst was going to happen. His depression had hit really bad. A lot of his friends have disappeared since he's gotten sick."

Once the patches started arriving Jake's spirits lifted, as did his wife's. "I cried the first night. It was amazing to see how many people from all the around the world who care," says Jessica. "I haven't seen that smile in months. I can't tell you how much we appreciate everyone who took the time to send a patch. It means a lot."

Address for Patches

2940 West 75th lane
Merrillville, Indiana
46410

T-Shirts are being sold to show support for Jake and all proceeds will be given to the Minnick family.

The Minnick family also has a GoFundMe page at Gofundme/theminnicks to help with medical bills. Jessica, Jake and their 4 boys thank you for any help you can give.

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