UPDATE Monday, April 25, 4:01pm | The Long Beach Fire Department will host a fundraiser this week in honor of the retired fire captain who died last Friday after a years-long struggle with brain cancer.
Retired LBFD Capt. Hank Zavaleta was diagnosed in 2003 with glioblastoma multiforme, a highly malignant form of brain tumor. Then just 38 years old, he fought the ailment, which had been in remission for several years when it returned in 2010.
Though people diagnosed with this form of brain cancer do not typically live for more than two years after being diagnosed, Zavaleta lived more than seven.
The LBFD will host the fundraiser on Thursday, April 28, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Legends Sports Bar located at 5236 E. Second St. in Belmont Shore. All proceeds will be donated to the UCLA Brain Cancer Research program.
Anyone wishing to donate but are not able to attend can mail checks made payable to “UCLA Brain Cancer Research” to LBFD headquarters located at 3205 Lakewood Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90808.
Saturday, April 23, 2:35pm | The Long Beach Fire Department announced Saturday that a widely respected, retired fire captain passed Friday after a long, hard-fought battle against brain cancer.
Retired Capt. Hank Zavaleta was well known throughout the Southern California fire service for his contributions to firefighter training and workplace health and safety issues, said LBFD Firefighter Steve
Yamamoto, who serves as a department spokesman.
Zavaleta was diagnosed with brain cancer more than seven years ago while he was still an active firefighter.
He became a tireless advocate for brain cancer survivors and their families,” Yamamoto said.“
“Hank Zavaleta set the standard as a husband, as a father, and as a firefighter. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him,” said Deputy Chief Jeff Reeb in a statement.
A memorial service is planned for next month.
Those wishing to donate in Hank’s remembrance can do so at Craniumcrusaders.org.
Stay tuned for an update with additional information.