Michael Nash

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1998 Great Comebacks^® Recipient  

Michael Nash is a fighter, in more ways than one. He fought to keep a full-time job and attend night classes to become a firefighter. He fought to become part of the San Diego County Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team, which was deployed to Atlanta for the summer Olympics. But his greatest battle has been with inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, which resulted in an ileostomy procedure to bypass his small intestine.

At the age of 24, Michael was a professional carpenter, recently married, with a newborn son, and was experiencing his first symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Five years later, he became a full-time firefighter for the Chula Vista Fire Department and was soon promoted to the rank of Fire Engineer. He also became more involved with his community, serving as Chair of the Needy Family Committee, a group of firefighters who conduct fundraisers to provide resources for needy families.

In early 1996, Michael’s symptoms had lessened and he felt strong, so it seemed to him like the right time to take action against the disease he was battling. After much research, including discussions with another firefighter who had undergone surgery for a similar condition, Michael decided to have ileostomy surgery.

Although he doubted it at the time, Michael’s doctor said that he would be back to work as a firefighter eight weeks after surgery. Not only did he prove his doctor right by returning to the Chula Vista unit, but Michael also rejoined the San Diego County USAR Team.

This didn’t come easily for him. Michael had to rebuild the strength that was necessary for him to return to the unit. He relied on his doctors and nurses to help him adjust to his ostomy. He relied on the ongoing support that he received from his local labor group, #2180, of the International Association of Firefighters. And he relied on his faith, his wife and children and his Dalmatian, Spencer, to help him get through the most difficult time of his life.

“I know now that having an ileostomy doesn’t mean the end of the world,” Michael reflects. “Even though things are a little different, you can live, love and be loved just as much as before.”

Today, Michael is still with the City of Chula Vista fire department and was promoted to the rank of Fire Captain. He is active with the Chula Vista Firefighters Local 2180 and is currently serving as Vice President of the Board.