Steve Fish Family

The first foundation recipient was Steve Fish and family.

Steve is originally from Cabot, PA, and graduated in 1999 from Knoch High School. In 2014 Steve was diagnosed with Silicosis, which is a hazard of his profession in restoration mechanics and sandblasting. The silica dust coats the lungs, creating scar tissue which doesn’t allow the lungs to expand, making it very difficult to breathe and slowly causing lung failure.

Please click Steve’s family photograph to find out how the foundation was able to assist. Also included is a testimonial video of Steve Fish and Jerry Schomer discussing Steve’s recovery after receiving a double-lung transplant.

Steve, age 37, and his wife Courtney, have four beautiful children ranging in ages from 6 to 14. Steve also cares for a variety of animals, including dogs and several other farm animals.

For the last 15 years, Steve had a good job as a restoration mechanic and sandblaster and was able to provide for his family. In December of 2014, he was diagnosed with Silicosis and has had numerous hospital stays due to his lungs slowly failing him.

In early 2017, Steve spent over three months in the hospital on oxygen because his lungs were collapsing. At that point in time, his doctors felt he was in urgent need of a double-lung transplant. After a lot of prayers by so many people, on May 17, 2017, the Lord provided Steve with a healthy set of lungs. Steve is now slowly recovering from his double-lung transplant

During this time, Steve was unable to make his mortgage payments and he lost his house. Steve and his family had to move into his parent’s home. For two years he had no money and had to rely on his family and friends to help him through that difficult time. During this transition, Workers Compensation denied his claim and Steve had to retain an attorney to file for compensation benefits. The case was eventually decided in his favor. However, the attorney fees will be taken out of each weekly compensation pay in small increments, with no available allowance to cover for inflation.

For these reasons, the foundation feels that Steve and his family are the right choice to be the first recipients. In September of 2017, the Foundation assisted in securing a home for Steve and his family. Steve is presently recovering and enjoying his life again.