A Hero’s Welcome

Chris Doyle wants to be a fireman/paramedic and save lives. Last year, after a two-year program, the  22 year-old Port St. Lucie resident graduated at the top of his class with Indian River State College’s Fire Class 120 and had been working for All County Ambulance (Fort Pierce) for just six months when the whole world changed in a single instant. While en route to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and Heart Institute, an SUV slammed into the ambulance in which Doyle was an EMT on board. Instead of being the one to rush to the rescue; Chris Doyle became the one in dire need of rescue. Critically injured, he was extricated from te wreckage and transported to the hospital. Doctors tried, but could not save his damaged lower left leg. Chris trained very hard to acquire State-certified, Firefighter/EMT status and serve his community. His fortitude, in te face of this tragedy, is nothing short of heroic. "Happy to be alive," he insists he will recover his health, learn to walk again, continue his studies, achieve a Paramedics Certificate and reach his goal of helping his community and saving lives. elp, Chris may recuperate and achieve his goal and save lives.

On Wednesday, March 24^th, the Van Duzer Foundation wants to let Chris Doyle and his family know we’re behind him and that we support his dream to walk again and save lives in our community. From 4 p.m. until closing, one hundred percent of all sales at Big Apple Pizza and Pasta in Fort Pierce will be donated to Chris Doyle. That means every pizza, sub, salad, drink – everything sold, plus all tips and staff wages will be donated to help Chris with expenses related to his recovery and rehabilitation. While being treated at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, Chris has received several pints of blood. Because of that, Florida’s Blood Centers will be on hand with a mobile blood collection unit for anyone interested in donating blood in honor of Chris Doyle.

Whether you know him or not, your life may have been touched by Chris Doyle. Please plan to come to Big Apple to share a slice of pizza, a handshake and a few warm words for this young man with big dreams and big obstacles to overcome. The mission of the Van Duzer Foundation is to assist families and individuals in St. Lucie County who are experiencing financial and personal hardship brought about by unforeseen crisis or tragedy. Since its inception in April, 2008, the Van Duzer Foundation has donated over $175,000 to St. Lucie County families and individuals. If you’d like to help Chris Doyle, please contact Scott Van Duzer at (772) 528-3467.