Precautions, panic, social distancing..what a week!

Trying to remain sane has been a challenge, when it seems like everyone is going bonkers.  

Taking proper precautions is one thing. Panicking is another.

People panicking about running out of antibacterial products, toilet paper(!), food, and on and on scares me more than contracting this awful virus. 

The stores are packed. I know because I've been in them the past few days with everyone else trying to prepare for a possible quarantine. 
I really hope folks in our community are not stockpiling the essentials. As I've heard more than once this week, "We're all in this together." 

I'm not ready to self-isolate out of fear. Although I don't have to go to an office and interact with other humans, I'm one of many people with "underlying medical conditions." I'm a kidney transplant recipient and the medications I take suppress my immune system.
My husband Ralph suffers from a form of Muscular Dystrophy and also has a compromised immune system.

I feel fine and expect to remain so. I hope everyone reading this remains healthy too.

Public health officials offer tips to prepare for spread of coronavirus

Sharing from a Facebook post:

Naugatuck Valley Health District offers information on heat-related illnesses

From the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

"With the continuing heat and high humidity, please take a moment to review the attached chart for heat related illnesses. From the Naugatuck Valley Health District website. http://nvhd.org/"

Treasured Time to host Driving for Memories Golf Outing in Monroe

Seymour-based Treasured Time, Inc. is hosting its second annual “Driving for Memories” Golf Outing Sept. 12. This is a rain or shine event. 

If you are not a golfer, but would like to attend, you can join us for the dinner reception and auction only for $50 per person.  

Registration is open and we are still in need of teams so please contact us today! To register go to http://treasuredtime.org/treasured-time-driving-for-memories-sept-12th-2018/. 
You can pay by credit card or mail, email or fax the registration form and payment to the contact info listed on the form.  

Our featured family and “Gift of Moments” recipients for this event is the Pantalone family of Simsbury. 

Pantalone family/ Contributed photo

Patrick Pantalone, 39, was always healthy and athletic. 
However, his whole life changed when he was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease in 2014. While he is currently on the transplant list he must get dialysis three times a week to keep his levels from becoming toxic. 
These treatments make him very tired and unable to spend the quality time he was once able to with his wife Marisol, and their four children.

Since his diagnosis, Patrick has lost a lot of time from work and while his employer has been very understanding, the missed time has caused a financial strain on the family. 
Patrick would love nothing more than to spend time with his family, away from the financial stresses and the stresses associated with his diagnosis. He longs for the opportunity to create a memory with his family that will last a lifetime.
Treasured Time will give the Pantalone family the “Gift of Moments” in the fall. Visit www.treasuredtime.org and make a donation today!

This event is sponsored by the Shelton Exchange Club, People’s United Bank, Kyle Phillips Insurance, and Robert Gamberdella.

Treasured Time, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.  

To see how you can help make a difference, visit www.treasuredtime.org.

Newsletter: Local family's struggle with esophageal cancer continues

Dear readers,

Our latest Valley Voice newsletter features a family's struggle with esophageal cancer and a Derby artist who 'competes' with Milford gallery owner.

Thanks for reading,

Patti

Bike Night to benefit child slated at Valley Diner in Derby

Treasured Time golf outing in September to benefit Stratford family

The “Driving For Memories” Golf Outing will benefit the Stanton family of Stratford./ Contributed photo

Treasured Time, Inc. is hosting its inaugural “Driving for Memories” Golf Outing to help a Stratford family make lasting memories.

The Stanton Family will be the featured family and “Gift of Moments” recipients for the event. 

Tim Stanton, 46, was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in February 2017. 

At the time of his diagnosis, it had spread to his liver and lymph nodes. Stanton had a 10 cm mass surgically removed from his colon in March, along with 10 inches of his colon and 17 of 25 lymph nodes. At the time of his diagnosis in February, the tumor mass on his colon was measuring at 6 cm, indicating this is a fast-growing cancer.

Stanton started chemotherapy in April. He had the choice to start with a more basic chemo but opted to go for a more aggressive form of treatment. 

He had four rounds on this aggressive chemo and unfortunately his scans showed negative results. There were no improvements to his colon or his liver metastases. 

If the next set of scans do not show favorable results, he will begin exploring clinical trials that may help to slow down the progression of the cancer.

Stanton has three children Alanna, age 24, and twin boys Blake and Lucas, age 6. His eldest daughter Alanna is a huge support, taking him to doctor’s appointments and helping with her brothers and chores around the house. Stanton’s wife, Missy, can’t take much time off since she just started a new job.

Stanton and his family spend much of their time creating memories together. 

Stanton would love the opportunity to take his family to Disney World and explore the magic it has to offer before he is unable to do so.

Driving For Memories will be held Sept.13  at Whitney Farms Golf Course in Monroe. 

This is a rain or shine event with a shotgun start at noon. The cost is $125 per person and includes a dinner reception and auction after golf. 

Tickets for just the dinner reception and auction are $50 per person.

To register, visit treasuredtime.org. Registrations will be on a first come, first served basis.

'Gift of Moments'

Treasured Time, Inc. is a Connecticut-based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.  

With your help, Treasured Time, Inc. can provide families with the “Gift of Moments.” 

To see how you can help us make a difference, visit treasuredtime.org.

This is a press release from Treasured Time. 

Raising awareness of kidney disease

March is National Kidney Month.

As someone living with Polycystic Kidney Disease I want to do my part to help raise awareness of it.

I posted this video link about Polycystic Kidney Disease a year ago, and I thought I'd post it again today, March 1.

Treasured Time to host softball marathon to support Derby family

Treasured Time’s Third Annual Extra Innings Softball Marathon Sept. 10-11 will support the wish of Nicole Mather of Derby, pictured from left with her son, Austin, and husband, Brian. / Contributed photo

STRATFORD - Extreme heat in mid-August has resulted in Treasured Time’s Third Annual Extra Innings Softball Marathon to be moved to Sept. 10-11 at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Stadium.

This semi-competitive fundraiser aims to help make the wish of a terminally ill mother in Derby come true by encouraging the community to form softball teams and play one-hour games to win a night in the Treasured Time suite at a Bridgeport Bluefish game.

Proceeds support the Treasured Time’s mission to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses. 
This year’s Extra Innings Marathon will directly benefit the newest Treasured Time “gift of moments” recipient, Nicole Mather of Derby.

The event starts at 7 a.m. Sept. 10 and runs until 9 p.m., including an exciting Home Run Derby competition for men and women at 7:30 p.m. that night and a Home Run Derby Jr. competition (13 and younger) at 8 p.m. 
The Home Run Derby winners will get a dinner for two at Vazzy’s Cucina in Shelton. 
The marathon resumes at 7 a.m. Sept. 11 and concludes with a championship game at 7:30 p.m. that day.

Registration is limited to the first 40 teams consisting of at least 10 players per team. The team that scores the most runs in a win on Saturday will play in the championship against the team that scored the most runs in a win on Sunday.

The entry fee to participate is $250 per team, and the deadline to register is Sept. 6. 
The fee for the Home Run Derby Jr. is $20, and $25 for the adult Home Run Derby. 

Tickets for spectators to attend the softball marathon are $5. 
There will be activities throughout the event including corn hole, DJs, and raffles.

For more information or to register a team or for the Homerun Derby, contact Jenn at 203-446-1068 or jenn@treasuredtime.org.

“The great part about this event is that you don’t have to be a softball player to join in on the fun,” said event organizer Jenn Moffat. “We have many companies and families, who have been affected by life-threatening illnesses, who come out to enjoy the day and support our mission. We match the teams up by skill level, so everyone is welcome to play. The weekend is really not about competition, it’s about the cause.”

In addition to supporting Treasured Time, the marathon is held in honor of former Bluefish General Manager and Treasured Time supporter Ken Shepard.

Derby woman hopes to renew vows in Vegas

Nicole Mather, 43, of Derby, became sick at age 15. After a few years of not knowing what was wrong and various tests, she was diagnosed with lupus at 17.

Since then, life has been very difficult. She has been in and out of the hospital throughout her life. Shortly after her diagnosis, Mather was in a major car accident in which she was put on life support and administered Last Rites by a priest.

Nicole defied the odds of the accident and her illness and found true love in her husband, Brian. The couple was told they would never have children, but Mather again proved the exception and was blessed with her “miracle baby,” Austin, who is now 17. 

Recently, Mather was diagnosed with diabetes and has suffered two severe strokes and three mini strokes. She has APS lupus which creates blood clots throughout her body, intensifying her susceptibility to strokes. 
Mather could have a stroke that changes her life forever at any time, but for right now, she does what she can to enjoy life despite her limitations.

Mather's wish is to go to Las Vegas and renew her vows with her true love and have her son walk her down the aisle. They will be married 20 years this September.

Treasured Time, Inc. is a CT based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.  
With your help, Treasured Time, Inc. can provide families with the “Gift of Moments”.

For more information, visit treasuredtime.org.

This is a press release from Treasured Time.

Re-posting: Tunes for Tea fundraiser slated Sept. 18 in Seymour

Fundraiser to benefit family of Seymour child diagnosed with neuroblastoma

*Please click here for a link to a story about the Fernandez family's journey published July 28 in The Valley Voice.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 31 ~ Let friends know you completed challenge, raised awareness

March 31

You did it! 

You completed the 31 Days of PKD Challenges. 

Update your status on Facebook and Twitter to let your friends and followers know that you took the challenge. 

Thanks for helping us raise awareness of PKD!

Treasured Time to host Paint & Sip at art studio in Oxford

OXFORD - Treasured Time will host a “Paint & Sip Party” from 7-9:30 p.m. March 31 at Rad Art Studio, in the Tommy K’s Plaza, 144 Oxford Road.

Local artist Adriene Radcliffe will guide participants in painting their own masterpiece with easy, step-by-step instructions. 

Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite beverage and sip along with the strokes of the paint brush. By the end of the night, everyone has their own work of art to take home.

The cost is $40 per person and includes canvas, paint, and brushes. 
The event is B.Y.O.B. Stuffed breads will be provided, but participants can bring their own snacks.

Proceeds will benefit Treasured Time and its efforts to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.

This fundraiser will help support experiences like the recent one planned for Cheryl Speller, a 44-year old single mother of six children, who would like to take her family on a cruise this summer. 

In January 2012, Speller was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, also known as triple negative breast cancer. After undergoing a lumpectomy in February 2012, as well as undergoing months of radiation and chemotherapy, she and her family believed she was free of cancer. 
However, this February, Speller was diagnosed to have a more aggressive Stage IV reoccurrence of her original breast cancer. Despite the emotional, physical, and financial hardships she and her family have to endure, Speller lives life to its fullest with the highest level of humility and faith that there is a plan for her greater than she can ever understand. 

To reserve your spot or for more information, contact Jenn, 203-446-1068, or jenn@treasuredtime.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Treasured Time event Saturday to benefit Derby family

Mark Lanzieri of Ansonia to perform at 'A Night to Remember.'/Contributed photo

DERBY - Treasured Time will host a fun night of great music at 6 p.m. Saturday at Derby High School, 6 Nutmeg Ave. to benefit its mission of granting the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses.

“A Night to Remember” will feature four musical performances by popular area entertainers. 
Paula Bogart-Pettinella takes the stage at 6 p.m. singing the classics of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Patsy Cline and other popular songs of the late 50s and 60s. 
Modern-day crooner Mark Lanzieri will start at 7:15 p.m. performing songs out of the American Songbook and Golden Era including Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. 
Flying Meat takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. with its original rock music, specifically tailored and written for the City of Derby, and The Gamma Rays close out the night at 9:45 p.m. playing hits of the '80s and '90s.

Admission is $10 for adults; children 16 and under are free. Additional donations are welcome throughout the night. 

There will be snacks and drinks available for purchase. Attendees can also take their chances in a 50/50 raffle. This event was organized by Mark Searles and Flying Meat with all proceeds being donated to Treasured Time, a Valley-based nonprofit organization.

Treasured Time is currently fundraising for eight families. 

The organization’s most recent wish is being granted to Jodi Chevarella, 44, of Derby. 
She was diagnosed in 2010 with Stage 2 Invasive Breast Cancer, and underwent chemotherapy, radiation and 11 surgeries in a year to remove the cancer and perform reconstruction surgeries. Her cancer recently resurfaced and she has been diagnosed with Stage 4, Her2 Metastatic Breast Cancer. 
This past year she received radiation again and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and hormone treatment. Chevarella  is continuing to fight and keep positive during this difficult and uncertain time. She wants the opportunity to be able to create a lasting memory with her family by going on a cruise with her loving husband, Dave, and their four children: Anna, 16, David, 14, Isabelle, 12 and Genna, 10. 
They have never been on a cruise and this is something she has always wanted to do. Treasured Time will be granting Jodi’s wish in the summer of 2016.

For more information about the event, contact Jenn at 203-446-1068 or jenn@treasuredtime.org.

Treasured Time, Inc. is a CT based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.  
With your help, Treasured Time, Inc. can provide families with the “Gift of Moments.”
To see how you can help make a difference, visit www.treasuredtime.org.

Treasured Time event Saturday to benefit Derby family

Mark Lanzieri of Ansonia to perform at 'A Night to Remember.'/Contributed photo

DERBY - Treasured Time will host a fun night of great music at 6 p.m. Saturday at Derby High School, 6 Nutmeg Ave. to benefit its mission of granting the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses.

“A Night to Remember” will feature four musical performances by popular area entertainers. 
Paula Bogart-Pettinella takes the stage at 6 p.m. singing the classics of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Patsy Cline and other popular songs of the late 50s and 60s. 
Modern-day crooner Mark Lanzieri will start at 7:15 p.m. performing songs out of the American Songbook and Golden Era including Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. 
Flying Meat takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. with its original rock music, specifically tailored and written for the City of Derby, and The Gamma Rays close out the night at 9:45 p.m. playing hits of the '80s and '90s.

Admission is $10 for adults; children 16 and under are free. Additional donations are welcome throughout the night. 

There will be snacks and drinks available for purchase. Attendees can also take their chances in a 50/50 raffle. This event was organized by Mark Searles and Flying Meat with all proceeds being donated to Treasured Time, a Valley-based nonprofit organization.

Treasured Time is currently fundraising for eight families. 

The organization’s most recent wish is being granted to Jodi Chevarella, 44, of Derby. 
She was diagnosed in 2010 with Stage 2 Invasive Breast Cancer, and underwent chemotherapy, radiation and 11 surgeries in a year to remove the cancer and perform reconstruction surgeries. Her cancer recently resurfaced and she has been diagnosed with Stage 4, Her2 Metastatic Breast Cancer. 
This past year she received radiation again and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and hormone treatment. Chevarella  is continuing to fight and keep positive during this difficult and uncertain time. She wants the opportunity to be able to create a lasting memory with her family by going on a cruise with her loving husband, Dave, and their four children: Anna, 16, David, 14, Isabelle, 12 and Genna, 10. 
They have never been on a cruise and this is something she has always wanted to do. Treasured Time will be granting Jodi’s wish in the summer of 2016.

For more information about the event, contact Jenn at 203-446-1068 or jenn@treasuredtime.org.

Treasured Time, Inc. is a CT based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.  
With your help, Treasured Time, Inc. can provide families with the “Gift of Moments.”
To see how you can help make a difference, visit www.treasuredtime.org.

Workshop at Griffin Hospital in Derby to focus on chronic illness

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is hosting a free workshop series to help individuals suffering from chronic conditions take back control of their lives.

Sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services' Aging Services Division, Connecticut Department of Public Health and Griffin Hospital, the Live Well Workshop will be on Tuesdays from Jan. 20 to Feb. 24 from 1-3:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St.

The workshops will provide health information and strategies to help those with chronic conditions like diabetes, depression, heart disease, arthritis, and pain and anxiety increase their energy and take control of their health.

To register for this self-management workshop, call Daun Barrett, 203-732-7584.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.