A former Chicago firefighter fighting for his life in Louisville is getting support from local firefighters.
Thirteen-year veteran Ernest Ray Jr. is suffering from a lung disease called pulmonary fibrosis, that he said is directly related to the job.
"I don't even think about what's going to happen in time. Only thing I can think about is the happiness and the love that I am feeling this day," Ray said.
Ray is bound to a chair and breathing with the help of oxygen tubes due to his diagnosis.
While coming to terms with his prognosis, Ray has relied on more than 200 local firefighters. Over the last week, they've showed up every day to visit.
"I need a double lung transplant, which I can't get because they are too far gone. I need a kidney transplant, which I can't get because they are too far gone. So, I'm stuck with the imminent," Ray said.