Ed Barry Fundraiser
Hi everyone! This page is to help raise money for our friend, Ed.
In July of 2021, our dear friend, Ed Barry was diagnosed with Stage 3 Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer that is found in the lungs/lining of the lungs, it is only caused be exposure to asbestos. Ed has started his rounds of chemotherapy and was lucky enough to be selected for a clinical trial that combines chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The hope is that through this process that the tumors will shrink and Ed's cancer will be re-staged and make him a candidate for surgery to remove the cancer.
As we all know with chemo, it is an extremely taxing process on a person and their body. Because of this, Ed is limited with his work. Some days he feels good enough to be out on his tractor, but others he's laid up on the couch. Multiple people with connections to Ed have wanted to start a GoFundMe to help give back to a man that has given so much to others. In typical Ed fashion, he was not initially comfortable with the idea of people giving him money, but after further discussion of the need for funds for trips into Boston for treatment, medical expenses, surgery/therapy expenses, and other life expenses due to being limited with work, Ed gave the OK to start this fundraiser.
However, Ed had one condition: "If you guys do this for me and raise this money for me, once I'm all better and healthy again, I want to pay everyone back." This is a true testament to the kind-hearted, selfless person that Ed Barry is. Ed has had a tremendous impact on multiple local communities and people - the Local Milford Music scene, the equestrian community, the people and towns he does conservation work and landscaping work for, just to name a few. If you know Ed, you know he's a guy you love instantly because he has a true heart of gold and would give you the shirt off of his back.
Ed has been a true friend to each and every one of us. It is only fitting that those that love him pitch in and help him through this trying time of his life. Please consider donating to help Ed navigate this challenging experience with as minimal financial stress as possible, no donation is too small.
Thank you everyone and keep your positive thoughts and prayers going for our good friend, Ed!
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Update!:
Hi everyone!
Thank you all for your continued efforts to help fundraise for Ed! Kelley and Ed are incredibly gracious and thankful for the generosity of each and every one of you for your contributions over the last few months. Now that we have surpassed the goal of $25,000, withdrawals from the fund will start being made to help Ed begin paying for various necessities.
As many of you know, Kelley is Ed's longtime partner as well as his primary caretaker throughout his treatments. In order to make this process seamless and not stressful for Ed to manage, Kelley will be managing the funds. Withdrawals will begin and they will be going to an account Kelley sets up for Ed's bills. Contributions can still be made to the fundraising effort, but money will start being withdrawn from the funds collected. Once again, on behalf of Kelley and Ed, they thank you for your kindness, your friendship and your donations. They are overcome with gratitude from your outpouring of love.