Officers and staff of the Upper Macungie Township Police Department joined volunteer firefighters from Good Will Fire Company No. 1, Trexlertown, Upper Macungie Station 56 and Fogelsville fire departments for a benefit breakfast Jan. 26 to help one of their own.

The wife of Upper Macungie Township Police Commander of Criminal and Community Service Division Lt. Pete Nickischer, Candace, 36, has stage 4 colon cancer.

Candace was diagnosed last September when she went to the emergency room with abdominal pains.

Doctors performed an ultrasound and saw a tumor on her liver.

"Every two weeks, I have chemo," she said. "I also have hand and feet syndrome and sometimes it flares up.

"My hands and feet get red, blister and peel. It is one of the side effects of the chemo."

For a few days around her chemotherapy treatments, she tires very easily.

This lasts for a few days and then she feels better.

"Overall I feel pretty good," Candace said. "I have been really lucky not to get any other illnesses.

"Chemo lowers your white blood cells, which increases your risk of infection."

Candace, who has been on medical leave from her full-time position with Lehigh County Domestic Relations Office since Sept. 20, 2013, said in addition to the chemotherapy treatments, she spends a good deal of time researching alternative treatments and foods.

"I have changed my diet drastically. I am trying to do the vegan diet," Candace said. "It is one of the things I have learned. It is suppose to be beneficial."

Her husband said when Candace discusses research she is talking about educating herself and connecting with supports groups.

"They [people in support groups] share what has worked for them, because we were basically thrown into this," he explained.

Staying educated and connecting with others has helped Candace to stay mentally strong, he said.

"Staying strong mentally is a huge component to fighting this disease."

He and Candace met while working at Constriction Data Corporation in Centre County, where Candace is originally from before moving back to the Lehigh County area where he was raised.

The couple has three sons Landon, Kaden and Kentyn.

Candace, who graduated from Bald Eagle Area Senior High School in 1995, attended Lackawanna Police Academy in 2003, and Northampton Community College part-time for two years.

She is the daughter of Roxie and Ken Ishler of Bellefonte.

The couple commented on the outpouring of support they have received from family, friends and the community.

"My family and Candace's family have been amazing from the beginning," Pete Nickischer said. "We are blessed to have them here supporting us.

"We have been overwhelmed by the love and support by the Upper Macungie Community.

"It is wonderful so many people care and have been there for us. We are eternally grateful."

Pete Nickischer said the men and women of fire stations 25, 8 and 56 are incredible and inspirational.

"To take time out of their own lives to help us, shows how compassionate and caring these people are," he explained. "They are just good, caring, giving people. We can't thank them enough."

Candace said this experience has taught her there are still many good people in the world.

"Countless others have stepped up to support us in one way or another," she said.

Candace said she is enjoying life much more than she has ever had before and is more grateful for all of life's blessings, large and small.