Firefighters from all across San Diego County came together Wednesday to celebrate the birthday of a 4-year-old girl, after her father -- a Vista firefighter -- was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Outside a home in Temecula Wednesday morning, a surprise birthday procession drove past the home of 4-year-old Lily Valenta. Some 12 fire engines and dozens of vehicles rolled past in a drive-by procession. "We tried to make it memorable for her ... a spot of happiness in tough times for their family," said fellow firefighter Patrick McDonald.
About six weeks ago, Lily's father, Andy Valenta, an 11-year veteran of the Vista Fire Department, started getting severe headaches.
"He was in and out of the ER, no diagnosis," said McDonald.
That diagnosis came last Friday for Valenta, a husband and father of two. Cancer.
McDonald spoke with Valenta on the phone on Sunday.
"It was very tough. He's such a loved person in my life, so I cried," said McDonald.