Who: Regardless of the adversity she faces, Jessup resident Beth Stoffey, 25, always retains a bright, friendly personality. A a 2012 graduate of Valley View High School, she is all about her family, which includes parents Nancy Unovitch and Joseph G. Stoffey; siblings Dana and Joseph E. Stoffey; children Lyla and Jackson; Stephen, of whom she is guardian; and her partner, Matthew Murphy. While she enjoys fitness and healthy activities — she has taken personal trainer courses through NASM and also studied at Lackawanna College and McCann School of Business — her favorite times are those spent with her children and making them laugh.
What: Stoffey now looks to her family and friends for support as she fights Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a diagnosis she received in January. Doctors discovered the cancer was metastatic in multiple bones in her pelvic area but has not spread to any organs, and the lymphoma is treatable. Stoffey must endure six months of chemotherapy, but her doctor feels confident she will respond well to treatment and rid her body of cancer. Stoffey has a strong support system with loved ones who can keep an eye on her and children who support her in whatever obstacles she faces.
Why: Fighting cancer has placed a financial strain on Stoffey, who has had to miss work. She appreciates any monetary donations, which will help her keep her utilities up to date while she undergoes treatment and let focus on her treatment and recovery.
When/where: Loved ones have set up a GoFundMe page, “Help Beth fight cancer,” to collect monetary donations. The family also would love tickets or discounts for amusements such as Kalahari or Lahey Family Fun Park so they can enjoy some experiences together at this tough time.
Additionally, a pasta dinner benefit will take place Saturday, May 30, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Artisan Volunteer Fire Company, 20 Maple St., Jermyn. For $20, guests get a meal consisting of pasta with sauce, a side salad, a roll with butter, assorted desserts and soda/water. The event also will include a 50/50 and basket raffles, and basket donations are being accepting; send a message to the Facebook event page if interested in donating. Tickets are available through family members.
The public also can mail donations to Stoffey c/o Lori Luongo, 1616 Dickson Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.
In her own words: “Beth is already overcome with emotion from support she has received. … The decision to donate any donations that were not accounted for after treatment has also been made. Beth would love to give back at the end of her journey, as she has been humbled by all the kindness so far. The gesture to duplicate her appreciation is so important to her.” — Beth Stoffey via Lori Luongo
Caitlin Heaney West is the content editor for Access NEPA and oversees the Early Access blog in addition to working as a copy editor and staff writer for The Times-Tribune. An award-winning journalist, she is a summa cum laude graduate of Shippensburg University and also earned a master’s degree from Marywood University. Caitlin joined the Times-Shamrock family in 2009 and lives in Scranton. Contact: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5107; or @cheaneywest
