A Life of Service Faces Its Toughest Battle

For years, Micah Wennekamp has served the Santa Clara Unit as a CAL FIRE Engineer

Paramedic, dedicating his life to saving others. Today, Micah and his family are the ones who

urgently need a lifeline.

The Diagnosis:  Micah was recently diagnosed with Clonal Megakaryocytic Proliferation, a rare

and aggressive form of leukemia associated with PFAS exposure, a direct result of his years on

the front lines. He is currently fighting through his fourth grueling round of chemotherapy and is

physically unable to return to the job he loves.

The Legal & Financial Struggle Despite the clear link between his illness and his career,

Micah’s application for Industrial Disability Retirement (IDR) has been denied by CalPERS. At

49 years old, just one year shy of standard retirement, he is now forced into a legal battle to

secure the benefits he earned through years of service. To survive financially, Micah has already

depleted his 401k and 457 accounts, and the family has exhausted their credit options.

An Urgent Housing Crisis The weight of cancer and financial ruin has been compounded by a

sudden housing crisis. Micah’s family was just notified that their rented townhouse is being

sold. They must vacate by March 31st. Micah is physically unable to help with the move, and

his wife, Kelly, who left her career as a Registered Nurse to provide full-time care for both

Micah and their 9-year-old autistic son, is stretched to her absolute limit. They currently lack

the funds for first/last month’s rent, security deposits, and the professional movers required to

transition their home.

How You Can Help:  We are raising funds to ensure this hero and his family aren't left on the

street while fighting for his life. Your donations will go directly toward:

 Relocation Costs: Security deposits and professional movers.

 Legal Fees: To fight the CalPERS denial and secure Micah’s retirement.

 Daily Survival: Covering the cost of care for their son and basic living expenses.

Micah has spent his career running toward the danger to help strangers. Now, we ask you to

stand with him. Please donate if you can, and share this story with your community.

Thank you for supporting the Wennekamp family.