Chicken barbeque to benefit two Owego Fire Department families

Note: We sadly learned that Nicholas Wilding passed away on Sunday, following the print edition of this story. You can view his obituary here: http://emfaheyfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/504/Nicholas-Wilding/obituary.html.

A chicken barbeque benefit is planned for Sunday, Oct. 8, at Central Fire Station, located at 87 North Ave. in Owego, starting at 11 a.m.

Proceeds from the benefit will help two Owego Fire Department families including Nick Wilding, who has been battling stage four tongue cancer and is currently in hospice care; and Doug Worthing, the husband of emergency squad member Shelly Worthing. Doug has been undergoing treatment for injuries sustained from a vehicle accident this summer.

The chicken barbecue dinner includes a half chicken with two sides, along with a drink for $10 per person. Dinners will be available for purchase until all are sold.

A firefighter who has served in both Candor and Owego fire departments, Wilding’s cancer diagnosis was confirmed in August of 2016. Tongue cancer, one of several oral cancers, is typically found in the late stage, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation.   

A patient at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, Nick’s journey also took him to Chicago’s Cancer Treatment Center of America. For an update about Nick’s story, visit the page, “Nick’s Journey: Stage 4 Oral Cancer,” on Facebook.

The Owego Pennysaver interviewed Wilding for a story last November. He said at that time that the diagnosis took him by surprise, yet he hoped that by sharing his story it would help others, as well as bring much needed attention to the subject of oral cancer research.

The Owego Fire Chief, Dan Gavin, commented that the department is reaching out to help Wilding and Worthing and their families, including Wilding’s wife, Christina Shaylor-Wilding, a 911 dispatcher at the Tioga County Sheriff’s office and Shelly Worthing, an active member of the emergency squad for upwards of 20 years.

“Nick has been a devoted member of Hiawatha Engine Company,” Gavin said, adding, “And even when he wasn’t feeling well, he still tried his best to train and support others.”

Gavin explained that a committee within the Owego Fire Department planned the benefit and volunteers will host the event. Describing the department as an extended family, Gavin added that the department is always appreciative of the support from the families of their members.