When a Tulsa family faces a life‑threatening illness, the city’s first responders step in. Ten‑year‑old Teal Esmeyer was diagnosed with a high‑grade brain tumor at age seven. After multiple surgeries and a recent decline in treatment response, her family is confronting both medical and financial challenges.
Firefighters mobilize for Teal
Bo Esmeyer, a veteran firefighter at Tulsa Fire Department Station 33, has seen his brothers‑in‑arms rally around his family. “The fire department has been everything for him,” said Bill Esmeyer, Bo’s uncle and fellow firefighter. Crews have taken extra shifts, helped with home projects, and organized fundraisers to ease the burden.
Teal’s treatment now requires regular radiation sessions at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, adding travel costs and time away from home. The family also cares for Teal’s younger brother, Judd, who has his own needs.
Benefit event details
To bring the community together, firefighters are hosting the “Firefighters Rally for Teal Esmeyer” on Sunday, November 15, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Marshall Brewing Company’s Tap Room, 1742 E. 6th Street, Tulsa. The event will feature food trucks, live music, and a Hasty‑Bake grill raffle. All proceeds will go toward everyday expenses, travel costs, and unexpected bills that have arisen during Teal’s treatment.
For those unable to attend, donations can be made through the “Heal Teal – Tulsa Firefighters Benevolent Fund” online. Organizers stress that every contribution, large or small, helps the family focus on what matters most: time together.
A wish for Disney
Amid the hardship, Teal’s biggest wish is a trip to Disney World. “Since all this occurred and she’s had two surgeries, her only joy is going to Disney,” said Bo’s brother, Smart. The family hopes to make the trip happen in early December, believing it could be Teal’s last chance to experience the magic of meeting princesses and enjoying a beloved park.
Smart added, “She has a sibling, so he has needs too. This would go a long way toward helping with some of his needs, too.” The rally aims to support both children, ensuring the family can create lasting memories despite the medical battle.
Community response
Since Teal’s diagnosis three years ago, the Tulsa community has responded with generosity, from individual donors to local businesses. The upcoming rally continues that tradition of neighborly support, reflecting the city’s strong faith in caring for one another and the importance of family unity.
Bo Esmeyer expressed gratitude, noting that the outpouring of help has been a source of strength for his family. “We’re grateful for the support we’ve received over the last three years, and we hope the community will continue showing up for us,” he said.
As the rally approaches, organizers encourage Tulsa residents to attend, donate, or spread the word, reinforcing the city’s commitment to stand with families in crisis.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
