In Times of Need, Northeast Pennsylvania comes to the aid of its own. In our regular column, we provide a platform for area residents facing a variety of obstacles to create awareness and connect them with much-needed help.
Who: Cynthia “Cindy” Cobb McDermott is best known for two things: her dedication to all things, and the smile that never leaves her face. The 48-year-old Jermyn resident shows the same compassion in her more than 20-year career as an orthodontic assistant as she does for her family, which includes her husband, Jerry McDermott, and sons Jason, 9; Jarred, 17; and Staff Sgt. James Skelton, an active-duty Marine stationed at the Pentagon. McDermott spreads love as an outgoing cook, painter and baker, and she was an eight-year breast cancer survivor until she recently received a shocking diagnosis of Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. As she gets back into the battle fray, McDermott remains as determined as ever to beat it.
What: Donations are being accepted at local branches of the Dime Bank, and friends and family have organized Cindy’s Crusade, a pasta dinner that includes salad and refreshments for eat-in or take-out at $10 per person at the door. The event also will feature a Firepit of Cheer raffle (tickets cost $5), live music, kids’ activities and other basket raffles. For information or to buy tickets in advance, call 570-499-9022, 570-862-3208 or 570-507-0106 or email CindysCrusade@yahoo.com.
When: Saturday, July 27, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: William Walker Hose Company, 803 Penn Ave., Mayfield
Why: Proceeds will offset medical bills, including copays, deductibles, medications and other expenses as McDermott has been out of work since March while she endures chemotherapy treatments. She previously also underwent radiation.
In her own words: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Hope for the fighters. Peace for the survivors. Prayers for the taken.” – Cindy McDermott
Submitted Photo
Vinny Antidormi
Update: The community turned out in force for a chicken barbecue fundraiser held Sunday in honor of former Jefferson Elementary School student Vinny Antidormi. But the 6-year-old cancer patient’s family still needs support as he continues chemotherapy. Donations can be made via PayPal (Victoryforvinny19) or sent payable to Victory for Vinny, care of The Dime Bank, P.O. Box 509, Honesdale, PA 18431.
Patrice Wilding is a 13-year employee of the Lifestyles Dept. at The Times-Tribune, where she worked her way up from a clerk to a web video producer to a full-time reporter, writer and copy editor. An Olyphant native, she graduated from Mid Valley Secondary Center and earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with concentration in media arts, political science and communications from Wesley College, Dover, Delaware. She lives in Clarks Summit with her husband, Justin, and their son, Johnny. Contact: pwilding@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5369; @pwildingTT
