Thanksgiving is a time for appreciation and gratitude, and there were many expressions of profound thanks as two BLET members were reunited yesterday for the first time since one Brother helped save the other’s life.
On October 27, the quick-thinking and decisive actions of BLET member Tim McMakin likely saved the life of his co-worker and fellow BLET member Tony Ramos after he suffered an on-duty medical emergency. On November 26, just two days before Thanksgiving, the two men were reunited for the first time since that harrowing ordeal. All railroaders know that they hold the lives of others in their hands when they are on duty, and Brother Ramos expressed his deepest and most sincere thanks to Brother McMakin for having his back on that fateful day.
Brother Ramos was rushed from the BNSF rail yard in La Crosse, Wisc., to a local hospital. Doctors reduced the swelling and he was later diagnosed with a brain tumor. Ramos underwent major surgery on November 21, and Brother McMakin was among the first guests to visit him post-surgery.
Doctors removed 95 percent of a cancerous tumor, but could not remove it all as it was too close to important brain connections. He is now suffering from weakness on one side of his body, similar to a person who suffered a stroke, and also has speech aphasia: he can communicate but has a difficult time getting thoughts into speech.
While Brother Ramos is slowly recovering, he and his family have a long road ahead. He was the family’s main breadwinner and he may not be able to return to work. He and his wife Janice have three adult children: one serving in the Army; one who lives far from home and is not able to assist at this time; and one who has mental and learning disabilities. Tony and Janice are also the sole providers for their third child and also their granddaughter, whom they are raising.
With the loss of their primary source of income, the family’s expenses will grow quickly. BLET members have always been generous in showing fellowship towards fellow members in need. BLET Division 13 Local Chairman Mike Banks said that those who wish to help the Ramos family can donate to a fund to help them cover medical bills and other day-to-day expenses. There is also an effort to provide meals to the family each day, which will help reduce costs and give Janice one less thing to worry about.
At this special time of year, please do what you can to help a fellow railroader in need.
For more information and to donate to the Ramos family, please visit: www.givesendgo.com/TonyRamosBrainCancer?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=TonyRamosBrainCancer
To send a meal to the family, click here: takethemameal.com/WKER6593