West Herr Makes A Difference in the Fight Against Cancer

WEST HERR MAKES A DIFFERENCE

BY MARY JAYNE MURACO

I recently had a profound experience at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.    Within a period of three weeks this summer, my brother Bill and my sister Nancy, were both diagnosed with cancer.  As you can imagine this has been very difficult for my family.  Bill was diagnosed with stage three Lung Cancer and Nancy with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Bill, my older brother, is fifty-five years old and has been going to Roswell Park  for his treatment.   He raves about the great care he is getting.  He says every appointment is so organized and he never has to wait long.  The compassion shown by all of the employees of Roswell is outstanding. 

Roswell Park BuffaloWhen, Nancy who is forty-nine years old, was given the bad news, Bill encouraged her by insisting that she go to Roswell also.   I recently took Nancy to Roswell, early in the morning to have a test where they had her swallow a pill which contains a camera to read her insides.  She had to wear a pack that resembled a bomb and return to Roswell at 4:30 in the afternoon. 

While we were in the waiting room, a pretty middle aged woman was standing near us.  She had a baseball cap on to cover her bald head.  Nancy commented to this woman “I hope I look as good as you if I lose my hair.”  The woman took off her cap and had colorful pictures and notes written all over her head.  She said “The neighborhood kids draw on my head to make me smile.  Are you new to Lymphoma?”   Nancy shook her head yes, with tears in her eyes.  The woman replied “Give me your phone number and I’ll give you mine, so we can talk.  I’ve had five chemo treatments and I can help you through it.”  I was touched by her compassion and warmth.

Billy was going to Roswell for radiation at 4:20 in the afternoon, every day, five days a week.   I called him that day and told him I’d take both him and Nancy to their appointments since they were at about the same time.  We drove together and joked about Bill’s bald head and Nancy’s bomb pack.  Who could have ever imagined that I would be driving both my older brother and younger sister to Roswell Park at the same time?  It seemed surreal at the time and I kept wondering if all of this was really happening.

 When we arrived at Roswell, we walked through the doors to go to the radiation clinic for Bill.  I was so full of pride and comfort when I saw West Herr Automotive Group proudly displayed on the wall.   Words can’t describe how it gave me strength to know that I work for a company who has contributed so much to Roswell. 

Cancer touches so many lives.   When it is your own family who is dealing with this disease, the reality of how important this institute is, hits home.  I am thankful for all of the research they are doing in hopes of finding a cure for cancer.  The feeling you get when you are in Roswell Park is so different than any other hospital, I have ever been in.  Currently, my brother is doing very well as his tumor has shrunk.  Nancy has two more months of chemo and then hopefully will be in remission.   The staff at Roswell are wonderful and always there to answer questions or provide a smile of encouragement.

 I wanted to share my story and thank our company for all they do for this wonderful place of hope and healing.  In time, I am hopeful Roswell will find a cure for my brother and sister.     

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