Hello loved ones,
There's a great radio DJ out here in Western Mass named Monty. He's generally funny and witty, but each year he also puts on a slightly ridiculous "Cancer Connection Campout" because I guess he hates cancer and dislikes camping, but enjoys alliteration. He subjects himself to torture (i.e. camping out overnight in Northampton's downtown square during one of the most miserable New England months) to raise awareness about cancer and a local cancer support organization called Cancer Connection. Each year, he also chooses some other form of torture to subject himself to. This year, it is listening to The Grateful Dead for 24 hours.
Anyways, this has been happening for 14 years now in Northampton. As many of you know, Rob and I just moved out to the area, so this is now our stomping grounds. I have never been to the Cancer Connection Campout, but when I found out that this is the last year, I realized I had better go now!
Plot twist: IT'S HAPPENING TODAY!!
So, I'm going to head down to the Northampton downtown square this evening and camp out with Monty tonight. Of course, Marilyn does not hate camping and I don't even think she would have used the word "hate" to describe cancer. That's just now how she chose to see the world. I'll go tonight and bring hot cocoa and cookies because that's something mom would have done. It's a small way to honor mom and support a great local organization. Cancer Connection, by the way, really is a great organization. They offer free support groups and treatments like massage, acupuncture, art therapy, etc to cancer patients and their loved ones. They're really an organization worth supporting!
Anyone know what mom thought of the Grateful Dead? That was not a topic of conversation we ever traversed together. If you have any insights, let me know! I think I'll be hearing them all night long...
Please help me support the hundreds of people in Western Massachusetts and beyond who are living with cancer, along with their loved ones, who benefit from Cancer Connection's one-to-one guidance, support and programs.
Cancer Connection offers a haven where people with cancer, their loved ones and caregivers can learn to cope with the physical and emotional turmoil that is part of a cancer diagnosis and to explore ways to enhance their strength, their hope and their care through support groups, integrative therapies, creative activities and education. All services are offered free of charge.
I hope you'll consider making a donation by February 27th at 9 AM and helping me meet my goal of $1,000.
Your gift, which is tax deductible, will go directly to Cancer Connection to support their important work.
If you want to learn more about Cancer Connection's free programs and services, visit their website: www.cancer-connection.org.
Thank you for your support.
Cancer Connection Camp Out
February 26-27th, on the Old Courthouse Lawn, in Downtown Northampton: 93.9 The River’s Monte Belmonte will camp out in the cold one last time to raise funds for Cancer Connection’s free, non-medical services for people facing cancer, and their families and caregivers here in western Mass.
“I hate camping. Especially in winter. And I really hate cancer. But when dreaming up this year’s Camp Out I thought maybe we should add something else I strongly dislike: The Grateful Dead. The Deadheads around me keep trying to convince me otherwise, so here’s their chance. I’ll keep listening to the Dead as long as the money continues to come in. That way Deadheads will have to pony up to make their case. All the while keeping the money flowing for Cancer Connection and subjecting me to the endless noodling and incredibly long songs of the Grateful Dead.” --Monte
“During a time when I really wanted support, caring, comfort and understanding, the people at the cancer support group listened to my story, related to my experience, acknowledged my thoughts, accepted the tragedies, and heard me. I was no longer alone.” -- Howard Hanna, Cancer Connection participant.
Since 2006, the Cancer Connection Camp Out has raised over $623,000 for Cancer Connection’s free services. That's 14 years of camping out since Cancer Connection's doors opened 20 years ago.
How can YOU help? DONATE to a camper or team on this site. There is a service fee that you can opt to pay ornot.
Make a challenge. It's not too late! Join many local businesses including Camp Out Champion Greenfield Savings Bank. Email us by Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 4 PM.
Listen to 93.9 The River on the radio or via their website, wrsi.com starting at 6AM, Wednesday, February 26th until at least 10AM the following morning Thursday February 27th.
Stop by and enjoy the spectacle and the entertainment! Writing a check? Bringing your piggybank? Make your gift at the Camp Out!
Or mail your check to Cancer Connection, 41 Locust Street, Northampton, MA 01060.
Together, let's support Monte as he works tirelessly to make it fun for people to give. Please make a donation to support this critical resource. Last chance to donate to the camp out.
Help us thank 93.9 The River FOR HOSTING the Campout!
Cancer Connection offers programs and support free of charge in a comforting and welcoming environment for adults and children living with a cancer diagnosis, their families, and their caregivers. The funds raised from Monte's Bed In for Cancer Connection provide 1-to-1 guidance, integrative therapies, support groups, and many physical and creative workshops that help people take care of themselves at a very trying time of life. We focus on coping strategies, relieving stress, building physical and emotional strength, and feeding the spirit. Visit our website or call our office at 413-586-1642 for more information.