Letter: Family grateful for support

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To the editor,

Over the summer, our 16-year-old son, Jack, was diagnosed with an aggressive case of Ewing’s Sarcoma Cancer. After his diagnosis, he began immediate treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York involving an intense, 15-month, clinical trial protocol of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and more chemotherapy. Getting through this trying time is difficult; however, we have been surrounded and uplifted by our caring community, and this support is greatly appreciated and is helping us through each day.

In last week’s Citizen’s News, one of the writers posed the question: “What are we doing to make a difference in our community?” I can stand up and say that the members of the community have made a lasting, positive, overwhelming, inspiring and hope-filled difference in the life of Jack Walsh and in the lives of his family. They have come together to make a difference. The Town of Prospect, Region 16 schools, churches, friends, co-workers and people whom we have never met have rushed to our side to lift us up and support us. Words cannot express how thankful we are. Jack definitely draws strength and will continue to draw strength in knowing about the caring community that surrounds him.

Last Wednesday, Sept. 3, the Town of Prospect held a ziti dinner fundraiser for Jack and our family. The event was organized by Prospect Parks and Recreation, (led by Chris Moffo with the strong, capable help of Trish Spofford), the Prospect Police Department, and the Prospect Fire Department. Beyond these organizations, we know that the teachers, students, faculty and staff of Region 16 schools were heavily involved, as well as local families, churches and businesses. So many people came together to make this event happen. We were not able to attend due to Jack’s illness; however, we will carry this blessing with us forever, and we are grateful.

In many ways, this event reached far beyond its intent. So many people were touched and inspired by the outpouring of a community for one of its own. One mom from Hamden, who dropped off raffle baskets from a home-school group, related this, “When I left, I cried driving home, having been so touched to see big strapping firemen standing over a hot stove boiling water and cooking and setting up raffle tables. These moments are what the essence of our human family is all about.” Another mom expressed that she has never seen such an “unbelievable turnout including so many families and friends, teachers, the mayor, coaches, kids, etc….” One of the pastors from our church in Woodbridge said, “As I was walking to the building, I was just overwhelmed with the love and care poured out by the community.” And one of the volunteers, who was serving the ziti offered this, “I had to hold back the tears of joy because the line was constant from 5 p.m. when we arrived until 8 p.m. God is so good. He is with all of you and showed His love and power last night.” God’s love and power were poured out through the helping hands of a united community. From one of the Woodland soccer team captains spending four hours selling “Prayers for Jack” bracelets, to The Woodland Hawk Productions filming well-wishes for Jack, to the Big Dipper coming out and offering delicious ice cream to the caring community, the volunteers, contributors and attendees made the difference. We cannot begin to thank every individual who helped. We know there were so many.

We are thankful that the community service mindset is alive and well in Prospect and the surrounding area. Thank you Citizen’s News for offering the “hope” in last week’s issue that students from Woodland and Naugatuck will carry that mindset with them once they move beyond the walls of their high schools. We believe that they have and that they will.

Thank you to the entire citizenry of our community. We cannot thank you all enough for helping us personally and for giving us all hope that when the support of a community is needed, there are those who will step forward and make it happen. Prospect really is the “Best Small Town in Connecticut.”

For us, more than anything, Jack will forever know that he has an abundance of love and support. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Debbie Walsh

Prospect