A Lot of Help From the Community

When it comes to thanking the residents and business of Canton for their generosity during an ongoing medical and financial crisis, Vicki and Larry have trouble completing a thought. The emotions are too overwhelming.

“They’re stepping up and hugging us and they don’t even know who it is,” Vicki said as she fought back the tears.  

With one battling a progressive disease, constant appointments, hospital stays, mounting medical bills, missed work time and three kids to care for, Vicki and Larry, whose last name is being withheld for privacy, turned to the town’s Social Services coordinator for help in Mid March.

Vicki was hoping for a few dollars to help with gas and medical bills.  

But immediately after the message went out to local media, e-mail lists and other places, the donations poured in — home cooked meals, cards for gas and groceries, scholarships for summer kids activities, oil deliveries, cash and more. And it keeps coming. 

"Almost daily" senior and social services coordinator Claire Cote calls to report more donations, Vicki said. 

Larry, who worked in the injecting molding industry for 25 years, became ill last September and since then experienced numerous health problems, including problems with his spleen, liver, lungs, thyroid and more, Vicki said.

In late February, he went on disability and the paychecks stopped. Vicki also missed much time at her part-time job. While the couple has insurance, with only 80-percent coverage and a large deductible, it's been overwhelming

Although another test is needed for the diagnosis to be official, Vicki said the family’s doctor now believes Larry has Beryllium disease, a rare condition the Occupational Safety and Health Administration says results from breathing mists, dusts or fumes of the metal.

It’s a disease with no cure although the symptoms are often treatable and externally her husband has made progress, Vicki said.

Vicki said it’s been quite the ordeal and it’s taken its toll as she tried to take care of her husband and make sure her kids were able to keep their lives on track. 

“My whole goal was to make sure he was where he needed to be and my kids were living as normal a life as possible,” she said.

Vicki spent countless hours researching her husband’s symptoms and bringing him to specialists.

During the bustle and stress of it all she said she lost some friends along the way.

“At the same time I reconnected with some old friend who understood what I was going though,” she added. “I don’t regret what I did.”

Vicki said it was also hard for her husband to ask for help.

“He’s a proud man,” she said. “He’s done a hell of a job providing for us.”

And he is already talking about somehow returning the generosity.

One of his kids said he was always helping others and would “never ask for anything in return."

An avid outdoorsman, Vicki said he just wants to spend time with his kids now, even though the risk of them spreading germs from school and other places is high.

“Keeping my husband away from his kids is really hard,” Vicki said.

Cote said that while a lot of people are struggling financially, this situation called for some special help because of the high bills, lack of income and the kids involved.

“It’s such a dire situation and they’re going to have some ongoing needs,” she said.

Cote agrees that area townspeople really stepped up to help and thinks past situations have helped build a network. She also feels that people simply have that desire to help and in some cases, people struggling themselves pitched in, she said.

“I think that says something about our very generous community,” Cote said.

Cote said donations are still being accepted and necessities such as home cooked meals (in disposable containers), gas cards and cash are especially helpful. Items can be dropped off at the Senior & Social Office, located at the Canton Community Center (40 Dyer Ave., Canton CT). Any questions can be directed to  ccote@townofcantonct.org.

Cote is also keeping track of the donations and Vicki is writing thank you notes, although many donations are anonymous.

“You kind of wonder how you can repay them,” Larry said. “I just hope someday I’m in a situation again to help.”