Two BLET members were reunited in a hospital on November 26 for the first time since one came to the other’s rescue during a harrowing ordeal on the job in October.
The quick-thinking and decisive actions of conductor Tim McMakin on October 27 likely saved the life of his locomotive engineer Tony Ramos. After Ramos suffered an on-duty medical emergency, McMakin made sure he received immediate medical attention. Brother Ramos was rushed from the BNSF rail yard in La Crosse, Wisc., to a local hospital. Doctors stabilized Ramos and determined that he was suffering from a previously undiagnosed brain tumor. He later underwent major surgery.
Doctors removed 95 percent of the cancerous tumor but could not remove it all. As a result, Ramos experiences weakness on one side of his body, similar to a person who suffered a stroke, and also has speech aphasia: he has difficulty communicating his thoughts through speech.
All railroaders know that they hold the lives of others in their hands when they are on duty. Brother Ramos expressed his deepest and most sincere thanks to Brother McMakin for having his back on that fateful day.
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; and one who has mental and learning disabilities. Tony and Janice are 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, click here.