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Honored Patients
Our Inspirations
Deana Horne
Meet Deana. In September 1999, Deana started experiencing mouth sores and slowly escalating flu-like symptoms. She saw a handful of doctors over the next several months but her health continued to deteriorate. On March 3, 2000, after being admitted to the hospital for mono, Deana was told she had Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Treatment started immediately--she was placed on a time sequential study of five different chemotherapies. Deana was blessed with a strong support system and was constantly in the company of visitors and family while in treatment. According to Deana, "My nine year [cancer] journey has had its ups and downs. Sometimes I felt like the bad would always out weigh the good; but I have found, after a lot of soul searching, that I am here to make a difference. [I am sharing my story] so others out there will be able to realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel...All you need is determination and you can get through whatever life throws at you." Deana first walked in Light The Night in 2000.
Favorite Sport: Ice Hockey Favorite Food: Lobster Favorite Holiday: Halloween
Jack Guindon
Meet Jack. A soccer and arts-and-crafts loving 5 year old, Jack was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on July 21, 2007. After an accidental fall brought Jack to the Emergency Room, subsequent tests revealed a diagnosis that no one in his family was prepared to hear. Since being diagnosed, Jack has had his ups and downs; he is currently on a 2.5 year protocol of maintenance chemotherapy and is doing well. Jack's family, including his parents, Joanna & Tom, his older sister Keely (age 9) and his younger sister Megan (age 2), as well as his friends and relatives have helped to keep his spirits high throughout his cancer journey. Jack first participated in the Northampton Light The Night Walk in 2008 as a Hyundai Hope on Wheels handprint ceremony participant and we look forward to celebrating with him in 2009.
Favorite Food: Steak Favorite Holiday: Christmas Favorite Game: Checkers Favorite Animal: Bunny
Kymm Connell
Meet Kymm. Kymm went to the doctor in November 2007 with flu-like systems. Expecting a diagnosis of mono, Kymm and her family were shocked to learn that she had Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Treatment was started immediately and after only one month of chemo, Kymm was put in to remission! When asked how she felt after hearing her diagnosis, she responded: "I think I was numb. I was scared of the unknown. When they said the word 'chemotherapy', all I could picture was being bald and really sick all the time. But they've come a long way with meds. I did intially feel alone. It took me a bit to realize I was not alone in my fight." Kymm's family and friends, including her husband, Sean, played a primary role in helping her remain positive. As a display of support for Kymm, her friends and family walked as "Team Connell" in the 2008 Wakefield Light The Night Walk and raised over $14,000 for LLS. We look forward to having the team join us again this year.
Favorite Music: Country Favorite Game: Nintendo Wii Favorite Sport: Football (Patriots!!!)
Chris Ashby
Meet Chris. During the summer of 2004, Chris's family began noticing changes in their 4 year old son's behavior. While enjoying the numerous outdoor activities that New England has to offer, Chris frequently lagged behind his siblings and playmates, arguing that he was tired. On Friday, August 20, 2004, Chris's mother took her son to the doctor. The cause of his fatigue? Pre-B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Chris's cancer journey continued for the next 2 years, and we are happy to share that he is currently in remission. Chris and his family, including his parents Shawn & Wanda, and his older sister Brenna (age 10), have joined us at several LLS events. Skating in the survivor lap at the 2008 Lace Up for Leukemia event and walking with fellow honored hero, Anne Sullivan, at the 2008 Worcester Light The Night Walk, we are thrilled to continue to help Chris and his family celebrate Chris's triumph over cancer.
Pets: Golden Retreiver (Bella) Favorite Food: Nachos Favorite Animal: Panda Favorite Game: X-Box
Elisa Lynch
Meet Elisa. In 1989 at the age of three, Elisa's mother began noticing changes in her daughter's health--plagued by flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite and exhaustion, she took Elisa to the doctor multiple times for testing and consultations. After months of failed antibiotics and at the suggestion of Elisa's mother to consider the possibility of other ailments, a golf ball-sized tumor was found deep in Elisa's pelvic region. Elisa was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Over the next year and a half, Elisa endured countless hours of chemotherapy; she was hospitalized for 100 continuous days with infrequent contact with her idential twin sister and older brother. Five years soon past, however--and Elisa was "officially cured". According to Elisa, "No one asks for cancer. It's given to you without your permission. It's a disease that changed my life forever. In high school I started volunteering for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society..and became a motivational speaker for two of their biggest fundraisers....I [have been] able to share my story with others [and I hope I will] give patients and their families hope for the long road that lies ahead." Elisa is currently attending Salem State College, majoring in Psychology with a minor in theater. We are excited to help Elisa celebrate the 20th anniversary of her triumph over cancer.
Favorite Food: Buffalo Wings & Pizza Favorite Animal: Elephant Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Paisley Blu MacNeil
Meet Paisley. For the MacNeil family, May 31, 2007 is a day no one will forget. After lingering symptoms brought Paisley to Childrens Hospital, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She began treatment immediately and has completed all phases of her chemotherapy protocol accordingly. She travels to the doctor every 3 weeks for a check-up and to commence a new cycle of chemo. If all goes according to plan, Paisley will finish her treatment in July 2009. A vibrant 6 year old who loves horses, Paisley first participated in Light The Night in 2008. She is the 2009 Girl of the Year for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year campaign and is also actively involved in the Pennies for Patients program, motivating and inspiring children her age to help in the fight against blood cancers. Paisley is a daisy Girl Scout and huge Hannah Montana fan!
Favorite Animals: Horses & Lions Favorite Food: Applesauce Favorite Game: Old Maid
Richard Carey
Meet Richard. While attending nursing school, Richard began to experience extreme fatigue, episodes of prolonged coughing and unexplained bruising on his legs. He stopped by the school practicioner's office and explained to her his symptoms. While she attributed his symptoms to bronchitis, she ordered blood work to be safe. On October 27, 2004, Richard was diagnosed with Acute Promylecytic Leukemia. Richard began treatment immediately and went into remission on December 4, 2004; he has remained in remission ever since. "Without my family, I don't know if I would be where I am today. My family was an incredible support system for me. I have two incredible parents, a great twin brother, and two younger twin brothers who have showed me support....Not one night went by [while I was in treatment] that I had to spend the night alone in the hospital room." Richard signed up for the 2008 York Light The Night Walk after finding a LLS brochure at work. According to Richard, "I realized it's my time to pay back a wonderful organization that's partly responsible for saving my life." We are proud to help Richard celebrate his survivorship.
Favorite Foods: Mexican & Italian Favorite Animal: Dog Favorite Sports: Tennis, Hunting & Fishing
Avery Forrestall
Meet Avery. In 2006 at the age of 5, Avery was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The diagnosis came as a shock to Avery's parents, Rebecca & Jim--after receiving a "crash course in cancer care", they began Avery's cancer journey while at the same time caring for their two younger children, Delaney (now age 5) and Kadie (now age 3). Avery was hospitalized for three months after his initial diagnosis due to complications; he is currently still in treatment and is eargerly anticipating 2010 when it will hopefully all be over. According to Avery's family, "Avery is almost through his first grade year...He's made a lot of friends, and is doing well academically. We are still adjusting to our new normal. It changes every time we think we have figured it out. Somehow though, we just keep plugging along. We've met people that will be part of our lives forever, and who have helped us keep our perspective. We worry more about some things, but much less about others. We keep our hopes up by remembering what we've come through. We laugh a lot. It's a crazy journey, but it's part of our lives now, and we're keeping our thoughts on 2010. We know that could change too, but we have to have a goal. Our goal is for Avery to be able to tell stories about 'when I had cancer'. We keep that in our sights every day." Click here to watch a youtube documentary that Avery created, entitled "Waiting for 2010: Avery's Story".
Favorite Dessert: Apple Pie Favorite Music: Jonas Brothers Favorite Game: Clue Favorite Color: Red
Laura Beauchemin
Meet Laura. On January 2, 2008 at 1:30 p.m., Laura's life changed forever. After being admitted to the hospital with terrible night sweats, stomach pain, vomitting and an elevated white blood cell count, Laura was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. While the diagnosis was an initial shock to Laura, her husband Michael, her son Ethan (age 3), and her family, she has found the strength and courage to fight. She is currently in treatment, taking oral chemotherapy daily, and is dealing with the adverse side effects as they come. When asked what keeps her going, Laura responds: "It's my family. I don't know what I would do without my husband and son. My son is my miracle, my light and my soul. He keeps me going every day. My mom, dad and sister are all amazing. I am eternally grateful for my entire family." Laura first participated in the 2008 Northampton Light The Night Walk and we are very excited to help her celebrate her survivorship once again.
Pets: Cat (Sox) Favorite Foods: Seafood & Mexican Favorite Music: Norah Jones Favorite Game: Monopoly
Joanne Adams
Meet Joanne. Joanne's cancer journey began on December 11, 2007 when she visited her local hospital with painful headaches, persistent cough and congestion. She was initially treated for a sinus infection. With time, her symptoms continued to worsen. A follow-up visit to her doctor and a MRI revealed two growths, one on her pituitary gland and the other on her 5th rib. Joanne was diagnosed with Stage 4 Diffused Large B Cell Lymphoma. From January 2008 until June 2008, Joanne was in and out of the hospital receiving a strict regimen of chemotherapy treatments. Now, one year later, things are looking very promising. Joanne's family, including her husband Richard, her son Joel (age 34) and her daugther Jodi (age 37) played an instrumental role in helping her cope with her diagnosis. According to Joanne, "Upon my diagnosis, my family was shocked, upset and concerned about my well-being. But throughout the entire process, they were very supportive and their support helped me to better deal with the reality." Joanne and her family have participated in several Leukemia & Lymphoma Society events and we are thrilled to help her celebrate her survivorship at the 2009 Light The Night Walk in Worcester.
Favorite Holiday: Christmas Favorite Dessert: Baking cakes & pies Favorite Sports: Roller skating & Ballroom dancing
