Dear Editor:

I am touched and amazed by the love and support this community has shown to us since my recent diagnosis of stage 5 breast cancer, which has metastasized to my bones and lymph nodes. Not that this was bad enough, but it also caused problems with my heart, resulting in a pericardial effusion, that is, water around my heart. I have had the effusion repaired and was home in time for Christmas. But please know that I am a fighter and will continue to fight for as hard as I can to beat this thing. Thanks to all of your support, I have no doubt that I will win!

I would like to thank everyone for supporting me through numerous events and expressions of love. I would l like to thank Cheryl Lorrain, one of my many kindred spirits, who started a GoFundMe account for me, and everyone who donated to it. This fund helped us in our journey to Boston to the Dana Farber Institute, to be certain the treatment I was getting was the best possible.

I would like to thank Trina Lewis, Glenn Burnham, Ashley Miller, co-workers, family members and friends for arranging the potluck dinner and auction that was held while I was in the hospital. I would also like to thank the Boothbay Fire Department for use of the firehouse, and the many people and businesses who donated to the auction, raffle and food items, and the many hours of labor to make it a wonderful event. A warm thank you to the members and guests of the band SeaChord, who entertained during the mealtime. I wish I could have been there that day to hug and thank every one of you for helping with the many co-pays, allowing me to focus my energies on fighting the cancer, and not on the costs.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone for the continuing support, love, and compassion. Please know that all of the food items, cards and good wishes are reinforcing my strength to push through this. Until we meet again, and I can do it in person, I want you all to know that this is a warm hug from me you, for all you have done. Thank you ever so much!

Sandy Nieman

Boothbay