Two weeks ago Eddie Coletta was diagnosed with AL amyloidosis, a rare disease impacting the heart, kidneys, liver and nerves. According to the Amyloidosis Foundation, about 4,500 cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. On Friday, Eddie was told “basically all of his organs are failing or have failed,” Emma Coletta said.
“He started dialysis just to try to pull fluid from his body and relieve some pressure on his heart,” she said. “His sisters all live out of state so he’s been able to see his brother, but my aunts all flew into town, they’re all here now. He decided to get some dialysis done just to give him a few more days to see them.” Eddie Coletta is the youngest of five siblings who were all born and raised in Youngwood. He quickly became involved in the community when he first volunteered at the Youngwood Volunteer Fire Department 20 years ago, gaining the nickname “Little Eddie,” fire Chief Lloyd Crago said. Eddie’s brother, Bob Coletta, is assistant fire chief at the department.