The Mapleton Lions Club recently presented Joe and Erin LaPlante, parents of Abby and A.J., the donations received at Abby’s benefit spaghetti dinner as well as the additional donations received before and after the supper.
Lion Jake Graham, who works with Erin LaPlante, was able to maintain communications between the family and the Mapleton Lions club. Also at the presentation were Lions Dennis Hoffses, club treasurer, and Terry Sandusky, club secretary.
During the presentation, Joe and Erin expressed their sincere and deep appreciation for all who came to the benefit supper. Erin attended the supper for a short while and was pleasantly surprised at all the folks who came to support the family. There were many neighbors and co-workers in attendance.
Joe and Erin also discussed the long and challenging path ahead for Abby and the family. They explained that Abby has childhood leukemia and her treatment will take three years. They travel each week down to Bangor, where Abby’s treatments start at 9 a.m. and last for six hours. Then travel to Brewer for an additional two-hour treatment before heading back home. In other words, Abby experiences eight hours of treatment each week for the first year.
If at the end of the year and after confirmation testing, Abby shows successful treatment, she will enter into two-year maintenance treatment. During these years, she will take daily oral chemotherapy medications at home and travel once a month for testing and follow-up. These treatments will be quite the ordeal for the family, but one they are prepared to endure because of the enormous support they are receiving beyond the donations coming from the benefit supper.
Both parents expressed thanks for their employers’ willingness to support them over the next three years. Joe works for Huber Engineered Woods, who helped him adjust his work schedule to accommodate Abby’s treatment schedule and avoid any loss of pay. Erin has experienced similar support from SAD 1, where she teaches grade 6 math and science at Presque Isle Middle School.
The LaPlantes also thanked Cindi Condon, Abby’s second-grade teacher at Mapleton Elementary School. Mrs. Condon prepares hybrid learning activities that work around Abby’s treatment regimen and augments her online class attendance. Abby was going to have a challenging school year, but with her teacher’s support and lesson alterations, her education is less challenging.
When the maintenance phase of her treatment starts, she will be able to go back to school on a limited basis with some safety precautions in place. Abby is eager to get back to school and her friends and teachers. She and her family are eager to return to regular activities when her treatment ends.
The Mapleton Lions Club thanks all who contributed to support the family. The club recognizes that families endure considerable financial stress when a family member requires extraordinary medical treatment. Over their 67-year history, Mapleton Lions have helped several local families with additional expenses related to their treatment.
The Club is still receiving donations for the family, and if anyone wishes to still make a donation for them, then Club will accept the donation and forward it on to the family. Write to Mapleton Lions Club, P.O. Box 175, Mapleton, ME 04757.
For information, visit the Mapleton Lions Club Facebook page.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
