To the Editor:
We would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank-you to all the members of the wonderful Westborough community for the phenomenal support we have received over the past eight months during our son Mark's illnesses. For those who are not aware of his story, Mark was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on Oct. 29th of last year. He actually completed his chemotherapy on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3rd, but then required further hospitalization through the end of March for a heart condition for which he is still receiving treatment. Unless you have been through something similar, there is no way you can understand how much the help we received – from hot meals, help with household chores, monetary donations, and the many, many hospital visitors who help pass the time – helped us to get through this ordeal.
We also want to thank everyone involved with the American Red Cross Blood Drive held on June 11th in Mark's name at the Westborough Senior Center. From Ilyse Levine-Kanji who was a driving force behind organizing the event, to the numerous volunteers who assisted the wonderful Red Cross personnel, and all those who waited patiently to donate, we were thrilled at the outpouring of love which was a wonderful continuation of the support we have received throughout Mark's ordeal. Over the course of his chemotherapy treatment Mark had required 36 units of blood products between plasma and platelets. With over 80 potential donors at the drive contributing over 65 units of blood, we are confident we reached our goal of replacing what Mark needed as well as providing enough additional plasma for treatment of an additional patient.
The results of the drive, along with all the other wonderful support we have received from family, friends, and even strangers who only know that we are part of the Westborough community have shown us how truly blessed we are. Thank you all most sincerely for the thoughts, prayers and actions that made this difficult time much easier to bear.
The Kotosky Family
Rick, Ruth Ann, Kevin, Tom, and especially Mark