Lew Simpson’s life of service to others began when he joined the Youth Squad of the Cedar Grove NJ Rescue Squad at 16 and joined the Cedar Grove Fire Department, Engine 3, two years later. He then joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as a Ground Radio Technician in several places around the U.S. and in England. Wherever he was stationed, he also volunteered with the local fire department, responding to countless fires, crashes and medical emergencies.
Lew’s final assignment with the Air Force was in Cheyenne, Wyoming. On retiring, he stayed there, where he had met and married a local girl, Lenora. They have a daughter together. Lewis has two other boys, four grandchildren and two “amazing little great-grandchildren.”
Lew remained as an active volunteer with the Laramie County Fire District in Cheyenne until two years ago. “When I became a firefighter at 18,” Lew recalls, “I used to always say ‘I wish these old guys would get out of my way and let me do my job faster and better.’ And then, on a grass fire call, I realized I was now the “old guy” and I needed to get out of the way. So I retired, but I really miss it.”
After leaving the Air Force, he joined the Wyoming Dept. of Transportation as a Highway Patrol dispatcher and a radio technician. Lew wanted to be in law enforcement since he was a kid, so he applied to be a State Trooper and served with Highway Patrol for 9 years. When he took an insurance physical 30 years ago, doctors discovered a tumor around his left kidney. That was the start of three battles he’s fought with cancer. He survived those fights, but they caused damage to his left kidney rendering it useless and putting strain on the remaining kidney, which is now failing. Lew has end-stage kidney failure and relies on dialysis every day to stay alive.
Lew says, “I’m doing everything I can to stay healthy, but the truth is: I need a kidney transplant to survive.” That’s why he’s reaching out to ask for help. “I’ve always been the guy behind the scenes helpjng others, whether it meant running into burning buildings, supporting first responders or keeping radios running. I’ve never been great at asking for help for myself, but this is too big to do alone.”
Lew would like more time – time for more birthdays, time to spend more days in the sun, share more laughs with his grandchildren and maybe even chase around after his great grandkids.
Do you want to help Lew? Please share the link to Lew’s story or reach out to Kidneys for Communities at info@kidneysforcommunities.org to learn more about how you can help. The Kidneys for Communities team is here to answer your questions.
