To the Editor:

Please give me another chance to say thank you properly. It started on Jan. 7, 2019 when I was jaundiced do I went to St. Peter’s Hospital where they quickly diagnosed me with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer that spread to my liver and lymph modes. My life changed drastically that day.

Six months later, my community, friends, and family attended a fundraiser for me to help with medical and household bills that need to be paid even though I can no longer work.

My friend Kathy Cranker put together the fundraiser, “Pasta for Pam.”  She went door-to-door asking for donations to be raffled. She organized the whole thing that was a huge success. She served dinners that day and truly busted her hump.

My friend Katherine Martel helped serving dinners and making sure things were going smoothly. Katherine has been my friend for 30-plus years and has been by my side; she goes to every single chemo treatment, which is every other week.

Ellen Dorato was in charge of the bake sale and she, too, served dinners. She made sure people were getting their fix of sweets and yummy treats. Ellen has been my biggest supporter and will defend me to the end.

Sue Spiak is another friend who helped with the event and she helps me out with the many things I need.

April Cranker and family helped sell tickets at the door and made the dinner tickets go smoothly.

So many friends sold tickets for the raffles and 50/50. The volunteers of the Elks were truly amazing, working a long day in a hot kitchen making over 500 meatballs that were delicious.

My friends and family came out to eat pasta and the community came together; people I didn’t even know came and introduced themselves to me. I was truly amazed at the amount of support I received.

Words will never be able to express my great appreciation to all involved. I am truly blessed. It is in times of need that people pull together and they sure did for me. Thank you all.

Pam Spawn

Altamont