Firefighter to cross state again for cause
After recovering from COVID-19, Warne starts trek across state
Macomb Township firefighter Joe Warne took off on his second walk across Michigan on Thursday to raise funds for fellow firefighters fighting with cancer.
Warne, 40, did a similar walk in June 2019 from Macomb Township’s Fire Station 2 on 21 Mile Road, west of Romeo Plank Road, to a fire station in Kentwood outside of Grand Rapids. Warne occasionally had company for portions of his walk, including followers in a car, family, friends, firefighters and a state representative. He reached the Kentwood station on June 8 and earned $13,680 for firefighters with cancer through his non-profit, Neighbors United. The funds were later matched by rocker Bob Seger and Chevy Trucks.
Warne planned to repeat the charitable feat for firefighters with cancer this year from May 21-24, following a similar route but ending in Cascade
Township, about 10 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. Unfortunately, catching
a case of COVID-19 in March threw a curve into the plan.
“On March 17 I had a migraine, which is not uncommon for me, at work.
For the next three days I had very, very mild symptoms. I woke up that Saturday feeling fine. On Saturday night I had my first fever and several back cramps. I was able to go get tested the following Wednesday and I tested positive,” Warne said.
He resumed his training for the walk in May, walking about a mile a day. Warne said that in June his walking schedule was less regulated as he remained a little tired, but in July he got back on track, working his way back up to six or 10 miles per day.
He began his second 140-mile walk in full fire gear early Thursday morning. He plans to arrive at the Cascade Township Fire Station 2 on Sept. 27.
Warne plans to have other firefighters join him
occasionally on this year’s walk, as well as his team of volunteers following in a vehicle. His goal is to raise funds for about 14 firefighters with cancer or their surviving family members, from all across the state. Donations can be made online through wedontjudge. org by clicking the #WalkForTheRed140 button.
Warne founded Neighbors United with the goal of assisting individuals and families in need on an individual basis. One important fundraiser for the organization has been returnables drives, Warne said.
More information and updates on the walk for firefighters with cancer and Neighbors United can be found via facebook. com/ neighbors united mi.