Benefit to help baby with retinoblastomaDate: 5/21/2012 May 21, 2012
By Katelyn Gendron
katelyn@thereminder.com
GREATER SPRINGFIELD — Cohen Francisco is only 7 months old and he's already in the fight of his life.
At 3 months, he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma — a tumor of the eye — and medical expenses incurred from trips to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston for treatment have put his parents, Shawn Francisco and Amanda Lapierre, into financial turmoil. Cohen's grandparents, Steven and Elizabeth Lapierre and Paul and Julie Francisco, have organized a family fund-raiser at the West Springfield Elks Pavilion on May 26 to help defray Cohen's medical bills.
"Financially, I've exhausted all of my savings that I've saved up for years at work [as a dental hygienist]," Amanda said, noting that she's had to quit her job in order to take care of Cohen full time.
"Emotionally, it's hard because it's not like the baby can go to just anyone's house [for babysitting]," she said, adding that her son's weakened immune system make day-to-day activities such as grocery shopping or other public outings nearly impossible.
Cohen has his final chemotherapy treatment on June 5, however, he still may be visually impaired or suffer the loss of one or both of his eyes, Amanda explained.
"I'm ready for anything with the baby, he's my whole life now," she said of the prognosis.
The outpouring of support for the fund-raiser from private citizens and local businesses has been "overwhelming," said Paul and Steven, who noted that there is $5,000 already in the account set up in Cohen's named at Alden Credit Union.
"I'm so grateful for all the support from everybody. It makes your spine tingle. I just never imagined that it could be like this," Paul said.
Donations of carnival-style entertainment such as a dunk tank, bounce house, Shriners clowns, a DJ, face painting supplies, raffle items and barbeque-style food have already been made but more is needed, according to Paul.
"We're expecting between 400 and 500 people to attend the fund-raiser," Steven said.
The Benefit for Cohen Francisco will take place on May 26 from 2 to 8 p.m. at West Springfield Elks Pavilion, 429 Morgan Road. The cost is $20 per person for adults and children younger than 12 are free.
To make a monetary donation to Cohen's care, send checks payable to Cohen Francisco, Alden Credit Union, 710 Grattan St., Chicopee, MA 01020.
For more information about the fund-raiser or to make a food or entertainment donation, contact Paul at 885-1768 or Steven at 351-6186.
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