By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer
Northborough – For over the past year, Charlene O’Driscoll has struggled with her health. In a lot of pain, she was in and out of the hospital while doctors tried to figure out what was wrong.
Last month she traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to meet with more doctors who were finally able to diagnose her illness. She has a rare form of cancer called amyloidosis. This cancer is a buildup of abnormal protein in the stomach and nervous system.
Unable to work and with medical bills piling up, her daughter Lindsay Corcoran has organized a benefit at the Northborough American Legion Saturday, Nov. 18, at 5:30 p.m.
“This has given me the drive to actually do something to help,” she said. “We are gathering raffle prizes and donations from local businesses and everyone has just been so generous and supportive.”
The American Legion is hosting the event free of charge; Sirloins Catering in Northborough is helping to cater; and A.J. Tomaiolo’s is also donating some food.
“These businesses are really helping this event come together,” Corcoran said. “Many people are also donating gift cards. Tavern in the Square in Northborough was one of the first businesses to donate a gift cards and Niche Hospitality in Worcester also was most generous with gift card donations. We are so grateful for everyone’s help.”
The outpouring of support from the community and beyond has overwhelmed Charlene, her husband Michael O’Driscoll, Lindsay, her brother, Michael and the rest of the family. They are all actively participating in this upcoming benefit.
Charlene, who began showing symptoms a year ago in July, had some nerve pain in her hands and feet. She was often going back and forth to Boston to seek treatment. What started in her nervous system spread to her stomach and she was not able to eat on her own.
She will begin her treatment plan at Tufts where a team of oncology doctors will work together to implement a course of chemotherapy as well as a bone marrow transplant. She will be in the hospital for a few months and the hope is for long-term remission.
“I know my mom is prepared for that but it will be quite hard. I know the reality and stress about the medical bills. I don’t want that to be my mom’s focus. I need and want her to use all of her energy on getting better,” said Corcoran.
The benefit is being put together quickly as Charlene wants to attend the event before she begins her treatment protocol. Hopefully, this will give her a needed boost knowing how many people are supporting her.
“My family wanted to help and I am simply overwhelmed by all they have accomplished on my behalf,” she said. “I know so many people have reached out, wanting to help and it is just amazing. I thought having cancer would be very lonely. It’s not so lonely as I have a community behind me. It’s love and it’s family. It’s been a long journey but I am happy to have an answer so I can fight it.”
For more information about the benefit and to donate, visit www.benefitforCharlene.com.