SA boy battling cancer made honorary Houston firefighter while undergoing treatment

Damon Billeck getting treatment for bone cancer in Houston

Courtesy: Houston Fire Department

HOUSTON – San Antonio boy Damon Billeck is battling bone cancer for the third time in less than four years and while he’s undergoing treatment 200 miles away from his hometown, the Houston Fire Department is making sure he’s not fighting alone. 

On Wednesday, the Fire Department announced on its Facebook page that it has made the 13-year-old boy an honorary firefighter, sharing photos of the heartwarming moment with HFD’s Station 33 crew. 

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“He’s (Damon) from San Antonio and was made an honorary firefighter by the San Antonio Fire Department. But while he’s in Houston getting treatment, he’s an HFD honorary firefighter!” the department said in the social media post.

The department visited Damon and other children who are fighting cancer at the Shelter for Cancer Families in Houston.

RELATED: Young cancer patient resilient spirit continues to inspire

The shelter provides families -- like the Billeck family -- with a place to stay in Houston as they continue to receive cancer treatments.

Thank you to the heroes at Fire Station 33 who came by A Shelter for Cancer Families’ apartments today lifting the...

Posted by A Shelter for Cancer Families on Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Billeck, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when he was 9, is known by the San Antonio Fire Department as “one of the bravest kids we have ever met.”

Despite having his left arm amputated after cancer returned a second time at the age of 12, Damon did not give up hope. 

Damon is one of the bravest kids we have ever met. Because of Damon's great attitude, kids battling cancer at UH will...

Posted by San Antonio Fire Department on Tuesday, January 9, 2018

He inspired the SAFD in August 2016 to install the “victory bell” at University Hospital for children who complete their cancer treatment.

RELATED: SAFD delivers cancer bell for kids who complete treatment

Just two months later, Billeck was able to ring the very same bell and claim victory over the bone cancer.

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On Jan. 9, the department sadly announced Damon’s cancer was back and asked the community to help the Billeck family with the medical costs.

RELATED: 12-year-old cancer patient rings victory bell

The Billeck family has been traveling to Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center where Damon is receiving treatment. 

To donate, the department has shared Damon’s GoFundMe page.

FOR STORY IDEAS, EMAIL: agarcia@ksat.com 


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