Brother Tony Ramos, an Air Force veteran, was invited to attend a Wisconsin Badgers football game in November where he was presented with a game ball in recognition of his year-long battle with brain cancer.
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It’s been one year since BLET member Tony Ramos suffered an on-duty medical episode while working as a locomotive engineer for the BNSF Railway in La Crosse, Wisc. He lost consciousness and the quick-thinking actions of fellow BLET member Tim McMakin helped save Tony’s life. What doctors thought was a stroke turned out to be an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Over the past year, Ramos has endured major brain surgery, radiation, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and ongoing care at Mayo Rochester, UW-Madison, and Northwestern. Tony’s wife Janice said he is on a new treatment, Optune GIO, a tumor-treating field device that he wears on his head every day. He has been unable to work due to his condition.
In spite of the challenges, Ramos has enjoyed several highlights over the last year. A new grandson was born in Washington state, though Tony and Janice have not met him yet. An Air Force veteran, Ramos was also invited by the Wisconsin Division of Veterans Affairs to attend the November 8 University of Wisconsin Badgers football game in Madison, where he was presented with a game ball.
“Throughout his journey, Tony continues to fight with unwavering faith and determination,” said Janice, who has become his primary caregiver.
Due to his condition, Ramos has not worked in the past year and will be unable to return to work as a locomotive engineer with the BNSF Railway. To help make ends meet, the family is hosting a fundraiser at Pizza Ranch on Thursday, December 4, from 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., at the La Crosse location (see PDF flyer for more information).
BLET members in the area are encouraged to participate. The fundraiser will help with expenses related to his care, treatment, transportation to appointments, and living expenses. Donations will also help support the Ramos family’s “bucket list” fund, which includes transportation to Washington state so they can meet their new grandson. Support is needed now while travel is still possible.
Additional ways to support the Ramos family:
• Link to Give Send Go website (donations to support medical care).
• Link to Go Fund Me website (donations for “bucket list” items).