Two esteemed founding members of the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation (YLD) and pioneers in the hazardous materials response community are transforming their personal battles with cancer into a heartfelt call to action. Michael Hildebrand, President of YLD, and Greg Noll, Chairman of the Awards and Scholarship Committee, are sharing their journeys to inspire others to prioritize their health. Their message is clear: early detection saves lives. They urge everyone to stay vigilant, schedule regular checkups, and seek prompt medical attention for any unusual signs—because taking action today can make all the difference for tomorrow.
Posted March 7th, 2025, by Michael Hildebrand
Friends and Family: Here is an update on our cancer journey. Greg Noll just finished his 3rd week of radiation and chemotherapy. Today marks his 17th radiation treatment and 4th chemo treatment. Only 18 more radiation and 3 chemo’s to go for him. According to Greg, it was a rough week and Chemo is beating him up pretty badly, but he is ready for Week-4 coming this Monday. His treatment continues through April 4th. On my end, I have been on hormone therapy for about a month. Other than getting tired in the afternoon, I don’t have any serious side-effects thus far but we will see how the radiation treatment and drug therapy combination goes over the coming weeks. After waiting 4-months, on Monday March 10th I finally start nine weeks of radiation treatments five days a week. I am being treated at the Florida Oncology Radiation Treatment Center in Tavares, Florida using the “TrueBeam” external high energy beam radiation therapy machine manufactured by Varian of Palo Alto. California. This machine cost $1.5 million and uses State of the Art external high energy beam radiation therapy at low doses to cover a wide field so we can kill the cancer in my prostate and lymph nodes (See photo). I feel humbled that I live in a country that has this kind of technology and health care. The response and support from the fire service community for Greg and I have been overwhelming and are very much appreciated. We are not out of the woods yet, but as the expression goes, “We can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Thank you to those that were able to send Greg Noll something through the mail. Greg’s family tells us that messages of encouragement mean the world to him. Reading your kind words, heartfelt letters, and uplifting notes give him strength and help him remain positive.
Please take a moment to send some positivity his way:
Greg Noll
1020 Stonemanor Drive
Lancaster, PA 17603
Whether it’s a card, a letter, a T-shirt (large), a challenge coin, a patch, or anything that brings a smile, your support will make a difference. Greg has given so much to the public safety community—now it’s our turn to give back.
Let’s rally around him and show our appreciation, strength, and solidarity. No phone calls, please.
Thank you for your kindness and support.