A fire and subsequent house collapse destroyed the New Jersey home of a woman, whose son was diagnosed with stage-4 stomach cancer in September.
Kevin Sochanchak is approaching one of his final treatment sessions at Fox Chase Cancer Center, according to Gina Goetschius, who helped setup a GoFundMe page for the cancer-stricken man.
Noticeably shaken, an ashen Sochanchak didn't say much as he stood across from the remains of his family's Pennsauken Township home Saturday.
"I'm in a state of shock," he said as he expressed worry for the family's pets -- a bird and a Chihuahua -- who were inside the residence when the fire broke out.
Luckily his mom and siblings were away at the time but the family's dog didn't make it out and perished in the blaze.
Wearing a Delaview Fire Company hoodie, Sochanchak watched as fire crews put out hot spots.
Only the home's chimney was left standing after the structure crumbled to the ground.
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"They're just wonderful people with I guess not very good luck," said Robert Ilconich, a family friend and neighbor.
Sochanchak received his diagnosis during a September visit to his doctor for severe and recurring heartburn, according to reports.
Months after he learned of the devastating diagnosis, his own home was burglarized, Goetschius said.
Despite his own hardships, the twentysomething volunteer firefighter will now turn his attention to helping his mother, brother and sister as they deal with the loss of their home and a beloved dog purchased for the matriarch after she lost her husband.
"Hopefully things turn around and look up for them," said Ilconich. "Ill be praying for them."
