Police officers potentially put their lives on the line in the name of protecting a city’s citizens on a daily basis. Despite living in a very safe community, the Fort Thomas police officers never know when the line of duty could put them at risk. However, sometimes, the most dangerous thing facing our officers lies not on the streets of Fort Thomas, but elsewhere. For Lt. Casey Kilgore, this became very real when he was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma earlier this year.
Kilgore was originally diagnosed with non-life threatening melanoma in 2011 and, at the time, the doctor told him the likelihood of it spreading was very slim. However, he went back to the doctor with a terrible and lingering cough this winter and after an x-ray revealed a spot on his lungs and 3 biopsies later, Kilgore received the diagnosis of Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma in his eye, lungs, and spleen. Since then, he has completed radiation on his eye and is hallway through with radiation on his lung. Additionally, he began immunotherapy last week which is a different targeted approach to melanoma. Through a combination of these treatments, Kilgore is very hopeful that he can control the disease for a very long time, especially given his level of fitness.
Kilgore and wife Lauren, proud parents of two young children and one due in August, are Fort Thomas residents and through this trying time, they have been impressed by how our small town has come together in support. Bracelets bearing the hashtag #FTPD4210STRONG are being sold to support the family and the hashtag itself has gone viral as well as #TeamKilgore, a hashtag that Amy Goshorn, wife of Sergeant Chris Goshorn, proudly proclaims as she holds up the bracelets bought in support of Kilgore. In fact, when looking at the trending images with that hashtag, one can even see a photo of Cincinnati Red Todd Frazier sporting his #FTPD4210STRONG Bracelet.
FTPD stands for Fort Thomas Police Department and 4210 is Kilgore’s badge number.
In addition to receiving support from the Fort Thomas community, the family has also received support from the police officer community. Sean Donelan of the Wilder Police Force actually spearheaded the whole hashtag and bracelet campaign. Says Lauren Kilgore, “Sean and his family have been some of our best friends for years; he is the one that spearheaded this whole thing and surprised us. I think he knew that if he talked to us first we probably wouldn’t accept the help.”
Lauren went on to say the following regarding the support received from the community, Casey’s health battle, his ability to work, and her general outlook:
“Lots of people have asked if Casey is still able to work. Chief Daly and Casey’s fellow officers have always been wonderful to our family but even more so during this challenging time. They have rallied behind Casey and made it possible for him to have the flexibility he needs to work and be treated at the same time. Casey has always been proud to live in the city where he works and our community has lifted us up. Over the last few weeks Casey and I have been so surprised by the massive show of love and kindness towards our family. Then we remember who our family and friends are and it isn’t surprising at all. We have surrounded ourselves with the most wonderful people and we hope that our appreciation can be felt. The prayers, thoughts, and well wishes are!”
To support Lieutenant Kilgore and his young Fort Thomas family, you can purchase a bracelet or a t-shirt at the Fort Thomas Police Department office, the Wilder Police Department office, or at the Bank of Kentucky in Fort Thomas.
