A Hero’s Welcome

Chris Doyle wanted to be a fireman and save lives. Last year, he finally achieved his dream. The 22 year-old Port St. Lucie resident graduated with Indian River State College’s Fire Class 120 and had been working for All County Ambulance for just six months when the whole world changed in a single instant. An SUV speeding through an intersection and slammed into the ambulance in which Doyle was riding. Instead of being the one to rush to the rescue; Chris Doyle became the one in need of rescue. Critically injured, he was transported to the hospital where he lost a portion of his left leg. Chris has been in training to be a hero, and he insists that he will not be denied his dream. With your help, 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 Chris or not, your life may have been touched by Chris Doyle and his fellow ambulance company employees. 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, or visit www.thevanduzerfoundation.org.