In this powerful episode of Mining Minds, firefighter and paramedic Gilbert "Junior" Aguirre shares his journey of resilience, family, and unshakable determination. From his early struggles and finding his calling in the fire service to battling leukemia head-on, Junior opens up about the mental strength it takes to face life's hardest moments. He speaks about the brotherhood of firefighting, the unseen dangers of cancer in the profession, and how endurance races became a way to raise awareness and inspire others. Joined by his brothers and friends, this is a story about perseverance, love, and the fight to keep moving forward—no matter what life throws your way.

Brass in at miningmindsllc.com

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Chapters:

02:45 Junior's background and becoming a firefighter/paramedic

05:19 Facing trauma and mental strength in the fire service

08:02 Family, brotherhood, and balancing life on and off duty

13:55 The leukemia diagnosis and its impact

19:13 Telling his family and choosing to fight

23:00 Raising awareness: firefighting, cancer, and legislation

29:10 Living with treatment costs and fighting for benefits

34:00 Running marathons and building a movement

42:10 Legacy, family support, and inspiring others to embrace the fight