Ogdensburg woman recently diagnosed with cancer raises over $1,500 for Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley

To the Editor:

On behalf of the staff, patients and families of Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Janet Doerr of Ogdensburg for organizing and hosting a fundraising benefit on Saturday, May 20, in support of Hospice’s programs and services.

Janet is a current patient of Hospice with an incredible story.

In April of 2016 Janet received life-changing news when she was diagnosed with cancer during a hospital stay. Her doctor told her she would only have up to 6 weeks left to live. Without many options for surgery, she decided to focus on quality of life rather than curative treatments and Janet and her family turned to Hospice. With the care and support of Hospice staff and Janet’s family and friends, she has been home from that hospital visit for over a year.

Janet’s passion for life, sense of humor, and positive disposition can still be seen one year after her prognosis. She is a wonderful example of the Hospice mission and what it means to live life to the fullest. She says the time and support patients are given after seeking hospice care is invaluable. It is her hope that her event will help inspire more community members to seek ways to support Hospice and erase the stigma surrounding what life with a terminal diagnosis is like.

Janet hosted a 1-year anniversary party at her home to raise money to benefit Hospice and to express her appreciation for the second life she was given. Janet spent over four months planning the party, organizing a large raffle, and advocating for hospice care. Janet worked with more than 65 businesses and individuals to obtain numerous donations and raffle items. With the help of these donors and the more than 70 people who attended her party, Janet raised $1,546.00.

Hospice would like to thank the following businesses who supported Janet’s fundraiser: St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union, Parker Road Stand, Fischer ‘n Chips, Sholette’s Liquor, Dunkin Donuts, D&K Restaurant, Heuvelton Deli, Spencer’s Gifts, Advanced Auto, Agway (Ogdensburg), Agway (Heuvelton), American Theatre (Canton), Robert’s Skidoo, Gary and Aileen’s Hair Styling, Picken’s Hall, Char’s Bar, Jreck Subs, The Sandwich Warehouse, Bill’s Tire Center, Brewer Bookstore, WalMart, Ogdensburg NAPA, Radiance Hair & Spa, Hair Express, Cobblestone Gifts, Star Route, Cindy’s Cake Shop, Cascade Inn, Woodchop Shop, Blevin’s Bros, Inc., Maple City Auto Sales, Monroe Muffler, Dixie Lee Fried Chicken, Rishe’s Auto, Freight House, Buster’s Sports Bar, Legendary Tattoo, Latham Auto Sales and Service, Parkway Ford, Elajio Essentials Day Spa, Natural Nails, Performance Plus, High Maintenance Studio, Salon 1020, The Cutting Edge Salon, Bradley’s, Washboard Tanning, Texas Roadhouse, Pizza Hut, Wimpy’s, JK’s Roadhouse, Phillip’s Diner, Bella Brook Vineyard, and Bastas Flowers & Gifts.

Hospice would also like to thank the following individuals who contributed to Janet’s raffle: Tonya Clark, Gladys Sanford, Keith and Pauline Armstrong, Bud and Shawn Nichols, Galilee United Methodist Church, Bruce and Shawn Warren, Missy Youngs, Gary and Val Anthony, Linda Smith, Margaret Sthal, Peggy Kotash, Marylin and Richard Part, Cheryl Pike, Eric Brunet, Janice Brown, Oswegatchie Parish Christian Men’s Group, and Susan Robinson.

Special thank you also goes to Janet’s husband Tony, her close friend Cheryl Rolfe, and Hospice Staff Members Brand Mulvaney and Jill Deno for the support and assistance they gave Janice with this special event.

The generosity of community members and businesses is essential for the sustainability of the programs and services Hospice provides to residents of St. Lawrence County. When these gifts are given by those receiving care, they become even more meaningful. We cannot thank Janet enough for the time, effort, and energy she spent working on this event; her support will make a sincere difference in the lives of many other patients and families in their greatest time of need.

Ruth Fishbeck

Executive director, Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley