Family, friends rally behind firefighter

DOWNEY - Friends and family of Brian Wolf, a captain in the Downey Fire Department recently diagnosed with melanoma cancer, are working to raise money to give Wolf and his family the trip of a lifetime.They're hoping to send Wolf and his family on an all-expenses paid trip to a Dallas Cowboys game. Wolf, an avid Cowboys fan, has never been to an NFL game. "My family is comprised mostly of women. For us, Brian is our main man that we idolize and cherish," said Markie Rudolph, Wolf's sister. "We compare all other men to my brother. There has only been a few that have come close to his caliber." A firefighter since age 18, Wolf, 42, was diagnosed with melanoma cancer this summer. He is now working mostly part-time as he battles the disease. "He is fighting hard and praying for a miracle," Rudolph said. Friends and family have already raised $6,300, enough to cover tickets, hotel and airfare. But they are trying to raise an additional $600 for incidentals, such as taxies or rental car. Any extra money will be donated to a melanoma research center, Rudolph said. According to Rudolph, people have not hesitated to donate to the cause. The Downey police and fire departments have been particularly generous, and donations have also come in from as far away as Washington, Utah and Arizona, she said. A fundraiser will take place this Sunday at Salon Relini in Downey from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The salon, located at 7817 Florence Ave., will donate all proceeds that day to Wolf's family. Seventeen gift baskets will be raffled at the fundraiser. The gift baskets include donated gift cards from Porto's Bakery, Pina Pizza, Narai Thai and the Marketplace Grill. "I know my brother's story is not uncommon but a man like my brother is truly one of a kind," Rudolph said. "This is a dream of his and something that he can cross off his list of things to do." For more information, or to make a donation, go online to thebrianwolffoundation.wordpress.com.

********** Published: November 17, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 31