Teens Fighting Cancer, Project Fire Buddies Share Spotlight in New Show

CHICAGO – A local teenager battling cancer – and the Oak Forest-based nonprofit organization rallying around her – will be in the national spotlight Sunday as they appear on a show on ABC7.

Fourteen-year-old Reyna Arreguin from Cicero feels like her world has been turned upside down since she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just a few months ago. The nonprofit Project Fire Buddies — a volunteer-led effort by local fire departments to show support for children suffering from serious illnesses and their families — stepped in and took Reyna under their wing to lift her spirits.

And it worked.

Their efforts and a sweet celebrity surprise for Reyna will be made nationally known on Sunday, October 20, in a show called “Hearts of Heroes,” airing at 4:30 p.m. on ABC7.

Reyna was invited into the television world of the NBC series “Chicago Fire” and was surprised at her home by her favorite actor David Eigenberg (known as “Herrmann” on the series), who welcomed her to the set for a behind-the-scenes look. The show captures the heartwarming encounter and the joy it brought to Reyna amid the stress of her battle.

“She was so happy,” her mother, Nancy Anacleto, told Patch. “Everything else went out the window.”

Reyna was diagnosed in February after experiencing stomach pains. Initially mistaken for gastritis, an ultrasound scan later revealed a large mass on her pancreas. Within two weeks, she underwent surgery to remove her gallbladder, part of her small intestine and a large portion of her pancreas.

“…the tumor was so huge,” Anacleto said. “Fortunately, they were able to remove all the cancer cells around her. They had to rearrange their stomachs and intestines. Reroute everything.”

The week after surgery, Reyna was hospitalized and unable to eat. Then she got hooked on “Chicago Fire,” watching episodes and developing a bond with the characters.

“She fell in love with the show,” Anacleto said, “and she’s been watching it ever since.”

Eigenberg, who has worked closely with Project Fire Buddies on other special moments in the past, was touched by Reyna’s story.

“…she’s such a spark of life,” Eigenberg told Patch. “Such a sweet, lovely, friendly person. She is going through a time that a young person should never have to go through.”

Eigenberg worked with the Cicero division of Project Fire Buddies, whose first official fire buddy is Reyna, to plan the surprise. Portraying a first responder in the series has sparked his admiration for people in real life.

“First responders are doing their best, taking care of people and saving people,” Eigenberg said.

Project Fire Buddies staff take their service to a new level.

“Now, in their free time, they will look for children and young people who are in need or who are ill and support them,” he said. “They go way beyond that, and then they go beyond that again.”

That’s the heart of the organization, an initiative that began in 2016 when a few Oak Forest firefighters played air hockey with a child battling cancer. They drove up in the fire truck, sirens blazing, with gifts and bright smiles for the very first “fire buddy.” It was a mere concept that has now grown beyond the imagination of its founder.

“When we started Project Fire Buddies, it started with a simple prayer – to help the most vulnerable in our community,” CEO Kurt DeGroot told Patch. “Looking back now, it all makes perfect sense.”

“First responders are natural responders,” he added, “and Project Fire Buddies has created a bridge that allows that instinct to flourish. What is truly inspiring is seeing the wider community rally around these incredible children. Help comes in so many forms – whether it’s…” It’s about sharing our posts, starting conversations, proudly wearing our gear, participating in volunteer events, or even entering giveaways.

“Every act of kindness, no matter how big or small, spreads love and joy. At its core, it’s about being a good person and making the world a little brighter than we found it.”

The now not-so-small and very powerful organization has grown to 110 chapters in 10 states.

“…growth continues to spread like wildfire,” DeGroot said. “It’s an exciting journey for everyone involved and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. We look forward to expanding our reach and changing more lives every day.”

The importance of the organization being in the national spotlight is not lost on DeGroot.

“It is an incredible honor for Project Fire Buddies to receive this kind of national recognition,” he said. “This spotlight not only highlights the remarkable work we do, but more importantly shines a light on our brave Fire Buddies – the true heroes of this world.”

“These amazing kids can proudly say, ‘I’m a Fire Buddy,’ knowing they have a large and supportive family of first responders at their side. This recognition provides us with a valuable opportunity to expand this wonderful family and continue to grow our family mission of support and love.

Participating in Project Fire Buddies has helped Reyna and her mother stay grounded as everything surrounding her cancer revolves around them.

“It means a lot to her and always puts a smile on her face,” Anacleto said. “The whole thing was a roller coaster ride. In February it was the worst time of our lives because we didn’t know what to expect. …We still don’t know. It devastated us both.”

Reyna is doing well and has not yet had to undergo chemotherapy or radiation. Her biggest challenge right now, Anacleto said, is her liver function and ability to process nutrients. It’s possible that the presence of the tumor may have affected her body’s ability to absorb nutrients, she said, leaving her unable to gain weight.

Otherwise she is not in any pain and is doing well.

Now Reyna and her mother are looking forward to the show’s premiere, including a walk down the red carpet. They will both dress to impress for the occasion, reuniting with celebrities – including former Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup champion Brent Sopel and Eigenberg.

“David is more than just a celebrity – he is truly a down-to-earth person,” DeGroot said of Eigenberg. “His genuine love for Project Fire Buddies and the children we support shines through in everything he does. He has given his best to our organization and it is clear that he is not only committed but also deeply committed. On a personal level, it was me.” I’ve been a huge fan of his work for years, so it was a huge blessing to be able to call him a friend and get to know the real David. It’s a rare gift to meet someone so grounded and kind-hearted, especially in this role.”

Both Reyna and her mother are a little nervous, but they know that will change once they get there.

“We are very nervous, but they make it 100 times easier to calm our nerves,” Anacleto said.

The show stars ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee and Sheldon Yellen, CEO and founder of
BELFOR Property Restoration, the parent company of 1-800 BOARDUP. The episode featuring Reyna and her family is titled “Hope and Hoofs.”

“Reyna is truly one of the heroes we always talk about at Project Fire Buddies,” DeGroot said. “Our mission is to bring smiles and we never want to limit the possibilities of what we can achieve.”

“As Josh from our Cicero chapter and I were brainstorming ideas, I reached out to David and, as always, he took things to a whole new level. His commitment is indescribable. Seeing Reyna and her family’s faces light up was absolutely priceless. When We met with Alex from Hearts of Heroes. I couldn’t wait to share what we had planned. Alex is the type of person who takes everything she touches to new levels, and working with her and her team at 1-800-BoardUp helped us break through that ceiling and create something truly extraordinary for Reyna delivery.

Eigenberg said he was honored to be part of Project Fire Buddies.

“If I could put a smile on someone’s face for a few minutes and I have the time, I would happily step in and do that,” he said.

“There is virtue everywhere, but these days it can be difficult to find. They’re full of it.”

Reyna’s passion for the show and interacting with first responders in real time inspired her career choice.

“She’s a really good kid,” Anacleto said. “She is very ambitious – whatever she sets her mind to, she achieves it. Because of the show and now Project Fire Buddies, she wants to be a first responder.”

She attends the Morton Freshman Center, where she has already begun studying advanced biomedical courses “so she can get some initial experience in the field,” Anacleto said.

“I believe that one day she will change the world,” she said. “All her teachers have told me this since she was in second grade.

“And I believe it, now more than ever.”

Watch the episode of Hearts of Heroes with Reyna, Eigenberg and Project Fire Buddies airing Sunday, October 20 at 4:30 p.m. on ABC-7 Chicago.