Community raises money for Sea Breeze firefighter battling stomach cancer

IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. (WHEC) — Hundreds of people gathered behind Point Pleasants Fire Station Saturday afternoon to raise money for a Sea Breeze volunteer firefighter that is battling stage four stomach cancer.

Mark Berndt has selflessly served as a volunteer firefighter for 8-years at the Sea Breeze Fire Department on Culver Road.

In 2007 Berndt was diagnosed with colon cancer and in February of this year, he was diagnosed with inoperable stage four stomach cancer.

On Saturday, the Sea Breeze Fire Department and the community rallied around Bernt and held a "Drill Team Racing" fundraiser.

Drill Team Racing consists of teams of volunteer firefighters, competing to win races that demonstrate intricate and integral firefighting skills, including jumping off high-speed trucks.

There was also a 50/50 raffle for prizes and concession stands with delicious foods for all to eat.

News10NBC photographer spoke with Berndt about what this fundraiser means to him.

"I’m not used to people helping me, I’m used to helping people out. Very grateful. So much gratitude in it, it’s hard to explain," Berndt said.

All funds raised at the event went directly to Berndt to help him battle cancer.