DALLAS — The Lovelesses have some long-standing traditions and putting up Christmas lights is one of them. But, this year, that was all in jeopardy after a recent medical diagnosis.
Tom Loveless is a long-time WFAA photographer who retired in 2016. Very recently, he was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer. He's thankful doctors found the cancer early but surgery to remove portions of his lung needed to happen.
The surgery happened in November, meaning Loveless would not be able to put up his Christmas lights this year. It hurt him so much he decided to post about it on social media.
"I was very depressed because I couldn't put up my Christmas decorations. I've been doing it for 43 years," he said.
A friend and former news colleague, Yolanda Schufford, with the help of her husband Ray, helped find a company of firefighters who put up Christmas lights. Corbin McCloud with Leatherhead Holiday Lighting and his crew from Dallas Fire-Rescue's Station 11 put up Christmas lights, at no cost, while Loveless and his wife Janie Loveless were away at a doctor's appointment.
"You want to be here helping out, especially when someone is having a difficult time like this," said McCloud.
McCloud said they've already done 107 houses this year, but this home in Dallas was extra special.
"He just responded the way first responders do," said Ray Schufford, a retired firefighter paramedic and chaplain.
The Schuffords and Leatherhead Holiday Lighting helped string lights around the roof and lined the walk-way with lights.
"You guys are too nice, my goodness. You can't have Christmas without lights," Tom told the firefighters Monday afternoon.
"It's just a really special Christmas," said Janie, Tom's wife of 43 years.
Loveless told WFAA he is currently cancer-free and cannot wait to get his wind and his energy back after the surgery. He will be going through rehab to help him along as he recovers.