Team Anna

As many of you know our good friend Anna Foy has recently been diagnosed with brain cancer.  Anna and her family are facing a battle, chemotherapy and radiation treatments at Mass General Hospital will begin soon.  Obviously the physical challenges that lie ahead will be incredibly difficult.  We are confident that Anna, being the strong and determined woman she is will map out her plan of attack and take it on.  Her positive attitude, sharp sense of humor and the love and support of her family and friends will be helpful in dealing with the roller-coaster of emotions.  As if these day to day challenges weren't enough, there is the financial aspect that can be completely overwhelming.  Medical insurance covers the basics, but falls short.  There are so many more costs involved.  It is a daunting task trying to juggle the financial burden along with all the stress and pressure of such a difficult situation. This is where we can all step in and help out.  Let's show Anna and the Foy family how much we love and appreciate all they have done for us over the years.  Here is our chance to give back to this amazing lady. We wanted to tell you a little more about Anna, but It's difficult to find words that will do her justice. Anna put a post on Facebook last week prior to her complete diagnosis.  Her eloquently chosen words speak volumes about the kind of person she truly is... 

"Happy New Year! I am home! I can't believe how lucky I am and how awesome you all are. I guess I have some explaining to do. Facebook is great for sharing all our happy moments and pics of loved ones (plus what you're having for lunch), but sometimes in times of need it can get confusing. I am so sorry for that. So let me explain.

Short version: my daughter Julia had heart surgery on Dec 16. A date that worked for both Julia's college schedule and the doctors around Christmas time ... Yikes! The surgery, although more extensive then thought, went extremely well and I'm happy to report she came home the 21st. During this time I was having difficulty with normal everyday tasks, dropping items, hitting my head, things like that. Like anyone, we just chalked it up to stress.

I did tell Bob I would go to the doctors if if my headache worsened. It did. On Monday Dec 29, I woke Bob to say I needed to go to urgent care NOW and in about an hour I was dissecting a photo of a cat scan while on the way to Mass General for further observation and an important MRI.

They found a mass in my brain, which they opted to remove immediately before biopsy. Sudden, I know, but at least I knew I wasn't crazy. We were fortunate to be at one of the best hospitals in the world, with great doctors and nurses, not to mention the touching outpour of support from family and friends from all over.

Thank yous all around, from Dr. Codd at Mass General. We took to calling the tumor Hank. I forget why (meds?), but either way Dr. Codd yanked Hank on Dec 31.

Thank you to Darlene G for paving the way to Mass Gen. The ambulance attendants were so calming and respectful. Mass Gen nurses and long time family friends of ours, Kathy Mac and Roberta CC, were fantastic with both Bob and I, and our family. Of course family members who came in and all who respected Bob's right to sit this out with medical professionals. My buds since Day 1, love you Chris, Lynne and Cess, who answered many texts and calls, and smiled with me as we celebrated the yank of Hank! Yikes we are old!! And Sweet Colin thank you, you helped Bob more then you will ever know. They're are no words! And thank you for contacting Mary, O.M L. I did see her, I think it was in ICU.

And thank you to everyone. All of your prayers, cards, calls, texts, flowers, meals, etc. It's so heart warming! The family's grand nieces and nephews pics are great; the pics make me me smile everyday! From Vermont to Florida, Cali to Cape Cod, love those babies. That prayer chain was beautiful, to see so many reach out not just to me but to all others they know are hurting in one way or another. Thank you, I felt the hugs.

No results from the biopsy yet but please remember every thing could have been much worse I just want you all to know how awesome you are, the prayers have been felt, as well as all the hugs. Yes it's a bump in the road but Hank is gone and Julia is doing great! I have a large loving family and so many wonderful friends. What more could you want?

Please keep your prayers up for your loved ones! Again, thank you all! I feel the love and it's amazing!"