Alachua County firefighter celebrates return to work after battling rare blood disorder

After two years spent battling a rare blood disorder, an Alachua County firefighter is officially back on the job.

Alachua County Fire Rescue held a welcome-back party for Brandon Boothby, who spent two years fighting aplastic anemia, Friday morning at Station 24 in Jonesville.

“There were times when I was told that this is not a career you’ll be able to do again,” Boothby said. “We beat the odds. We’re back. We’re working in full capacity and just the support has been outstanding.”

Boothby was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia nearly two years ago, a rare blood disorder that occurs when a person’s bone marrow cannot produce enough new blood cells. He was on paternity leave following the birth of his daughter when he became sick. He initially thought it was the flu, but ended up in the hospital as his sickness progressed. Initially diagnosed with Leukemia, Boothby underwent various treatments including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

“The focus today is how proud we are of him, his resilience, what he has overcome and certainly how happy we are to have him back,” said ACFR Chief Harold Theus.

Boothby’s mother, Denise Boothby, said she is grateful for the support of ACFR firefighters and staff. During his two years off the job, he never missed one paycheck, had to file for disability or lost insurance. She said the department held “fundraiser after fundraiser” to support Boothby and his family.

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“The firefighting community has been unbelievable,” Denise said. “The very first-day chief told him that’s the last thing you have to worry about. You worry about getting better.”

A key part of Boothby’s recovery was a bone marrow transplant. He said he looks forward to reaching out to his donors in a year once allowed to tell them how much they mean to him and how they saved his life. When looking for a donor Boothby said numerous people in the local community were inspired to sign up to be bone marrow donors.

Alachua County Commissioner Mary Alford, who lost her 24-year-old son to leukemia in 2009, said she understands Boothby’s journey and encourages people who are willing to become donors.

“It’s a real sacrifice, but it’s a gift too,” she said. “You know, it’s a couple-hour procedure for you, but you can literally save the rest of someone’s life.”

Inspired by his donor and his battle with aplastic anemia, Boothby said he has a new perspective on life and wants to dedicate himself to helping others.

“I come out with so much more understanding of the value of love and friendship and appreciation for life,” he said. “I feel like I have a new responsibility not as what my job requirement is but as a person to spread that compassion and positivity.”