Vacationing in the Outer Banks for more than a decade, New Jersey firefighter Keith Quinlan and his family were looking forward to fun and sun over the Fourth of July holiday. What Quinlan got instead was a blood infection that would nearly cost him his life. Known as Churg-Strauss Syndrome, a bacterial infection started attacking Quinlan’s body. His health declining quickly, he was brought to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital on July 8 where he was on a ventilator and his family was preparing for the worst. 
Physicians and staff at the hospital worked quickly to diagnose and treat Quinlan, who faced astounding odds. Fortunately, rigorous antibiotic and steroid treatments helped Quinlan turn the corner. His family regained hope, and an entire community began to rally around Quinlan. It is that family and community support that he credits with his recovery.
Quinlan is proud and overwhelmed by the nickname physicians have given him. “They call me the miracle man,” he says with a smile. He is grateful to the team of physicians and nurses, but he is brought to tears when he thinks about the added support that has brought him through recent weeks.
(L-R) Keith Quinlan is surrounded by his family in the hospital.
In addition to his family being at his side, Quinlan’s fire department in Trenton has set a schedule for visitation. Every 2-3 days another team of colleague firefighters arrives to spend time with Quinlan and support the family. When Norfolk and Virginia Beach Fire Departments learned about another firefighter in the hospital battling such a serious situation, they too rallied. They have been cooking food for the family, doing laundry and visiting Quinlan. They have traded everything from t-shirts and cards to recipes as the weeks have passed.
“They are the ones who give you hope,” Quinlan says through tears.
So rare was Quinlan’s case, that physicians at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital have plans to write up the case for submission to a medical journal. Knowing that his ordeal may help others recover makes Quinlan feel wonderful, he says.
A 30-year veteran of the Trenton Fire Department, Quinlan has spent decades saving others. This experience has made him ever more committed to helping others. “Karma,” Quinlan says. “God has rewarded me and I’m going to give back even more.”
