Once again I come back to Daily Kos. I still read fairly often but haven't been posting much. This time I have a story that should be told. It's a snowy day in Maine. We're used to it, you might not be but if you're looking for a little inspiration today, here it comes.
A little background. Washington County (aka Downeast Maine) is poor and elderly. You notice it when you're driving thru but stop and look around and you notice it more. From the barely holding on second hand stores to the older trailers one can tell it's a tough economy at best. It's the only county east of the Mississippi where the life expectancy of women is falling. It's also amazingly beautiful seacoast and home to tough people who 'make do'.
My two friends are remarkable people. Katherine has run for the legislature twice (came real close) and is a true champion of the county, always looking for ways to raise it up. Frank is a court appointed lawyer, meaning he represents poor people for not much. They get by ..read on please...
A week after her campaign ended, Frank told Katherine something was wrong. He knew something was not right but didn't say anything until the campaign was over. Turned out to be pancreatic cancer and they don't have health insurance. Or so they thought. Frank had done a few years in the Navy and so was covered by the VA. Hurray but they still faced a lack of income and going thru treatment is no picnic. A two hour daily drive (one way) and chemo and radiation treatment feels like it's killing you.
Friends started making them dinners and others decided to hold a benefit. Benefits for cancer victims are a common thing across the country, it's the not so underground support system. Unknown in the western world but known here. Frank and Katherine were part of the historical society, he was a Revolutionary re-enactor and she knew a number of Democrats. Here's where it gets interesting.
Ginny was the prime organizer of this benefit. She got a few dozen auction items, took out ads in the papers, got the word out and footed the bill for a spaghetti dinner. Ginny is an arch tea bagger. Let that soak in for a second.
With permission here's Katherine's description of the benefit dinner:
Friends,
What a week it's been in Frank's life. Just wanted to provide a short update about the good, and the not-so-good.
First, there was a spectacular benefit supper and auction for us last Saturday in Machias. It lifted us tremendously, both emotionally and financially. In all honesty, it went beyond anything we had anticipated. We are so very humbled for everyone's consideration and generosity. It's been hard to comprehend, all the love and support that we saw that night. It's even harder to put into words, all that we are feeling.
Many hands and people made it happen - at every turn, I saw friends cooking in the kitchen, playing their ukuleles, raising their bid cards. There were many hugs and smiles, and the crowded, chaotic room was just beautiful. There were more than 200 people -- and I had expected only half that. We are still stunned by the outpouring -- and also by everyone, including local businesses, that donated items and artwork for the auction. We thank everyone who joined us, both in person and in spirit that evening. We are so grateful.
In particular, we wish to thank Ginny and David, who were the overall coordinators; Phil and Lucy, who also organized; Gene and the UMM Ukulele Club; Wayne and Joel, who made the auction fun and fast; and Nancy and her girls, who also made the evening smooth. Still others had roles, and that's what gets me -- how so many friends, and even others we know less well, stepped up and made for an incredible celebration of community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Frank could not be there, but I told him all about it. His fourth chemo treatment whacked him worse than we thought it would. It's been an unhappy last six or seven days for him, but he is getting through -- one day at a time. We are appreciating all of your prayers. The doctors and nurses at the Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer (part of Eastern Maine Medical Center) are helping him through this most difficult part. But, that's chemo, isn't it.
That's the latest from here. We are moving forward and feeling good, all things considered.
with love,
Katherine and Frank
The scene at the benefit was amazing. First you have to imagine a 22 piece ukulele band ranging in age from 18-88 rocking out on 'Born to be Wild'. Then an auction in which people are reminded to pay more than the retail value. Mainers NEVER pay retail value. Then imagine a crowd where at least 80% are probably on Social Security. The crowd raised some serious money and it will help my friends but this was a crowd that altho largely Democratic also had Republicans and Tea Partiers.
It was truly an American happening and I hope it gives you some hope. There is more to this country than the polarizing vitriol of the right wing radio hacks. There is more to America than frustrated, often racist members of the so called tea party. It's important that we each find our own personal way to reach beyond the barriers and find the best in people. How we respond and engage in our daily lives is what counts. When we step out and step up we make a difference.
My friends still need help so if you can it's the Cassidy Fund at Machias Savings Bank is at 4 Center St., Machias, ME 04654.