This reporter has been covering Newton Falls Doings for a few years now. One thing that keeps coming up is how the community takes care of its own. I have covered benefits for historical buildings, a new roof for a local farm, preventing veteran suicide, Christmas presents for struggling families and multiple cancer patients. The community has always come together for those in need. Now is another opportunity.
Long time resident, Tammy Moss, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. As many of us know, 1 in 8 women in this country will eventually face a breast cancer diagnosis. It can mean chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, weakness, side effects…the list goes on and on. It always means a disruption to regular life, and frequently loss of income. Not only does cancer suck, it sucks expensively! Tammy is facing much of that right now.
Mary Dezees is organizing a benefit to help with bills that have and will mount for Tammy. Mary says, “Tammy has always been there for the community. Now it’s our turn.” In typical Newton Falls fashion, the community is showing up. Mary has been an active member of local horseshoe and darts clubs through the VFW. They are all helping in many ways.
The benefit is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at the VFW, located at 433 Arlington Blvd. Tickets for the event are $10 for adults, and $5 for children 10 and under. A basket raffle is planned; tickets are 25 for ten dollars. There will also be a 50/50 drawing. 50/50 tickets are set at 6 for $5, and 15 for $10. Food will be available for purchase. There is also a Blind Draw for Horseshoes or $10.
This Sunday, she met with 9 people to plan the day. One volunteers helium for balloons; many are volunteering personal items to augment what has been donated. They planned decorations, clean up before and after, divided jobs for the day of the event, and the prep work that comes the day before. The volunteers are eager to help in any way needed.
Mary has been seeking donations from local businesses-cash, gift certificates to raffle, food items, you name it. Though more donations are incoming, and everyone has the chance to donate up to and including the day of the event, Mary would like to give a special shout out to all who have donated, including…
- Grooming Tails: 2 gift certificates for nail trimming (doggos will love you for it, eventually)
- Dunkin Donuts: Dunkin-themed basket (I’m interested!)
- Kutchka Farms: making something special (ohh, the suspense!)
- Ross’s: 2 pans of Penne with sauce (yum!)
- Lordstown Comeback: $40.00 gift certificate (hmm…)
- IGA: gift certificates (who can’t use that?)
- Vinny’s: 2 pans of pasta with sauce (more yumm!)
- Shop N Save: $25.00 gift certificate (very helpful)
- Mi Amigos: $25 gift certificate (bueno!)
- Big D’s: 3 pans of pasta (more yumm)
- Sam’s Pizza: 2 pans of pasta and a $25 gift certificate (are you hungry yet?)
- Covered Bridge: bread
- Country Club Nursing Home: butter pats and crafts
- Dominos: 2 gift certificates for $25 each (someone won’t be cooking that night!)
- Glass Act: $125 gift certificate (thanks, Ron!)
- Broad Street Station: $40 gift certificate
- Main Moon: $25 gift certificate (hubs wants that one!0
- Tiger Den: gift certificate for sheet pizza (can you say party?!)
- Subway: basket
- Ed’s Barber Shop: snip snip
- Zip Lube: $40 gift certificate (your car will thank you)
- Guns N Hoses: $20 gift certificate (still more yumminess)
Individuals from the planning committee are also chipping in…
- Ashley: salad
- Delta: Sunrise pasta, Sam’s Club gift certificate
- Tonia: Ross’s pans of pasta
- All: time
If any business or individuals have been left off this list, it is entirely accidental and the fault of this reporter.
Being invited to the meeting, this reporter had a chance to talk to some of the volunteers after the meeting adjourned. Delta Tayor has been Tammy’s best friend for more than 30 years. She says Tammy is the most thoughtful and forgiving person she has ever met. She was with Tammy the day the news hit. She is very worried about her friend, yet Tammy is more concerned about how Delta is doing! Delta is assisting in planning and getting the word out through Facebook, as well as personal donations. She says Tammy has a very positive attitude and is prepared for where this journey will go. Delta wants to thank the community for all the help.
Tammy’s mother, Sha, was also at the meeting. Sharon shared that Tammy’s grandmother also battled breast cancer; she beat it in the 80s, but it came back when Grandma was 95. Because of the family history, Tammy tested for the BRACA gene but doesn’t have it. Just bad luck. The good luck part is that they found it early! We all know that early detection usually has a better outcome. Sharon shared that Tammy is in chemo treatment every 21 days. Tammy has some big events coming up in her life, so is trying to work chemo around them. Tammy’s daughter is getting married in November, and Delta and Tammy had a short vacation planned. Fingers crossed for both events.
Tammy has a tough time ahead, but according to everyone she is meeting the challenge with strength and grace. It is good to know that Tammy has the support of her family, friends and community. Hope to see you on the 26!
