Hi,

I recently learned that a neighbor, friend and local community member has been diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer.

Richelle is a well known face at the Chief Martindale diner serving as waitstaff there for many years. Richelle is a mother of 3 and grandmother of 2, her youngest daughter Michaela is just 16 and is a talented softball player at Taconic Hills school with Richelle and Mike her father being her biggest fans and supporters.

Richelle's diagnosis is complicated, a large inoperable mass on her lung and now cardiac issues. There is hope that radiation treatment will decrease the tumor's size but blood clots and cardiac issues make that avenue of treatment non viable at this time, so there is a waiting game...

As we have learned in the past couple of years with the pandemic, an illness or loss of employment can be devastating for the average family. When you add to the financial burden the emotional toll that prolonged illness,treatment and hospitalization brings, patients and their families are often pushed past their breaking points. We are hopeful that any monies raised will help alleviate a small part of the family's financial burden so that they may save their energies for supporting Richelle in her fight.

I know we are close to Christmas and times are tough but I hope that people can come together and help this deserving family in their time of need.