Smiling, energetic Ida inspires us everyday to move and make our bodies stronger. You'd never know that she and her family have been waging a war against her husband Andy’s Medialstinal Mass Lymphoma cancer. Since last September when the cancer was first diagnosed, Andy has endured numerous tests and cat-scans and finally began six rounds R-Epoch Chemo. Each treatment, paced three weeks apart, required 4-5 days of hospitalization.

The good news is that the sparkle returned to Ida’s eyes: Andy was declared cancer- free in February! Although he still suffers from the side effects of chemo and has untreatable neuropathy in his hands and feet, Andy is determined to return to his NAVY civil servant position at the DOG Department of defense at the beginning of April.

 The bad news is that the Messermans are now burdened with medical bills of over $20,000 that cover two calendar years of treatment. It's hard to imagine how a family can handle bills of this magnitude when their ability to work has been curtailed and they had to meet their daughter’s senior year tuition bill at UMaine.

 Ida has given generously of herself to the Fitness, Zumba and Brunswick communities. Now it is time for us to return her generosity and help the Messermans regain their footing, alleviate their financial distress, and move on with their lives.