Close ties in community help raise money for cancer patient

— photo from Betty Filkins

Making the best of it: Steve Savino makes a face at his wife, Ruth Savino, after most of her hair was shaved last year. Her sister, Betty Filkins, said that Savino’s hair was falling out due to chemotherapy, and, before she shaved it completely off, the family gave her a pink mohawk.

WESTERLO — Ruth Savino received her fourth diagnosis of cancer in December.

“Not a good Christmas,” said her sister, Betty Filkins.

Savino, 59, was prescribed a pill to treat her cancer, a remnant of her previous breast cancer that had metastasized in her hip. The pills, although her sister said are less taxing than a previously-used intravenous drip, cost about $13,000. The pills, along with $30 or $50 copays for check-ups and blood work, are covered by insurance, but the insurance includes a “doughnut hole,” said Filkins. After reaching a $500 deductible, the insurance pays for costs up to $5000, and then will not pay costs until they reach $10,000.

These costs may be allayed by a fundraiser for Savino on April 8.

Filkins said the family was approached by Dick Stock, of the Hilltown Ramblers, who said the local band would play for free if Savino’s family decided to hold another fundraiser; they have held two others before. Stock’s step-daughter is married to the sisters’ nephew, and had heard from her that Savino was in trouble.

The event will be held at Woodman’s Hall; the space will be donated for the night by the Westerlo Volunteer Company of which Filkins and Savino are life members.

The money that will be donated will go directly to a fund in the Westerlo Reformed Church designated to paying Savino’s medical bills. Filkins has been encouraging those who can’t make the fundraiser to still donate by sending checks to the church.

“Every penny goes to pay her bill,” she said.

The fundraiser will feature music from the Hilltown Ramblers and dancing, as well as a raffle for prizes that were donated by coworkers (Filkins manages an Albany Medical Center clinic) and acquaintances of Filkins and Savino. Prizes include a weekend in a condo at a Lake Placid resort, a night at a bed-and-breakfast in Saratoga, a lottery tree, and a Macy’s gift card.

The raffle tickets, said Filkins, can be purchased without going to the fundraiser as well, by contacting her. She said she has already sold $500 worth of raffle tickets.

The fundraiser will also feature door prizes: bottles of wine donated by friends and acquaintances in the community.

“You’ve got to know the right people,” said Filkins, of her ability to gather together so many items for the fundraiser.

The celebration at the fundraiser, said Filkins, is about life, because she wants her sister to stay positive, despite advice from one doctor to begin end-of-life arrangements.

“It’s important that the person with the cancer feels positive,” said Filkins, who added that a doctor even said that staying happy can prolong a patient’s life.

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The fundraiser to benefit Ruth Savino will be held Saturday, April 8, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Woodman’s Hall on 980 County Route 401, Westerlo, NY 12193. The entry fee is $5. Donations may also be sent to the Westerlo Reformed Church, Post Office Box 70, Westerlo, NY 12193; write “for Ruth” in the memo. Raffle tickets may be purchased ahead of time by contacting Betty Filkins at (518) 275-2935.

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