Benefit for Newmarket cancer victim aims to raise awareness
Diagnosed in May of 2005 with ovarian cancer, Leigh Moulton has undergone surgeries, medical trials and chemotherapy to eradicate the disease from her body. However the cancer recently made its third recurrence and she required another surgical procedure during the month of October to remove tumors.
In addition to undergoing each of the procedures, the Barrington resident has to deal with travelling to Boston to receive treatments at least once or twice a week in a car with over 200,000 miles on it.
The accumulated strain of medical bills, medication costs, gas, tolls and the price of parking has begun to have an effect on Moulton, who has been out of work since September of last year.
In an effort to provide some stability and ease her financial burden, a group of close knit friends have come together to organize the Friends for Leigh Cancer Benefit being held at the Newmarket American Legion on Nov. 7. There will be a DJ, dancing, karaoke, raffles, food, beverages and games.
In order to spread the word to as many people as possible, organizers Casey Todd of Barrington, and Sam Newton of Epping, created a Facebook page for the event that was met with an overwhelming response.
“We’ve received checks from people who don’t even know Leigh, and we’re getting responses from people she went to high school with and hasn’t seen in years,” said Todd.
A former service worker who spent nine years helping developmentally challenged adults and currently spends 10 hours a week as a case manager for children with mental health deficiencies, Moulton had to come to terms with receiving the kind of support and care she is used to doling out.
“Leigh is someone who is always on the other side, helping everyone and everything out,” said Newton. “This is our chance to do for her what she would do for anyone.”
“I can’t begin to comprehend the amount of people, and the kindness and generosity they’re showing me,” said Moulton.
The constant cycle of surgeries, treatments and hospital visits have only served to make Moulton into a more determined person who is looking to live each day to the fullest.
“This cancer has changed me in a way that I am going to live each day and try every new thing I can possibly imagine,” she said. “I’ve decided to wake up each morning that I feel well and say to myself, ‘You’re healthy today so get out and live.’”
Moulton has also found comfort, solace and even inspiration from a very special friend named Zoey.
Given only three months to live after being diagnosed with cancer 2½ years ago, the 11-year old golden retriever has become a genuine partner in the daily struggle each of them faces.
“Even though I know she’s just a dog, she’s been another inspiration to keep me going,” said Moulton. “It kind of makes you proud to go for walks with her, and know that you both have cancer and you both just keep on walking and keep on going.”
Aside from the money raised at the event, Moulton hopes to heighten the awareness for ovarian cancer.
“You don’t see a lot of information out there about ovarian cancer, and by the time people are diagnosed they’re usually at a stage that’s too late,” she said.
Moulton stressed the importance of self-advocating and pushing for tests.
“For anyone who’s had a history of it in their families, it’s even more crucial to get tested,” she said.
“Putting all of the monetary donations aside, I think one of the best benefits for Leigh is that she’s going to see all of the support that is out there for her,” said Newton.
“Knowing there’s that many people behind you,” said Moulton, “you really don’t just want to turn it in and quit. You want to be able to fight and be an example for someone who’s going through this and may be struggling to find that motivation to keep fighting with everything they’ve got.”
Source : www.seacoastonline.com
