Rina's Story

My journey began 9 1/2 years ago when I was diagnosed with multiple melanoma - a blood related cancer that lives in the bone marrow. After a stem cell transplant in 2000, I also became an incurable optimist.

I tried to resume a new normal life. I no longer could work because of a compromised immune system. Having worked in the school system, I was told, at 54 years old, I had to retire. I learned to adjust my sails and to grow personally and to reach out to others in a meaningful way. Having lived in Maine all my life, I started a new adventure three years ago. I sold my home and my daughter and son-in-law built me a mother in law apartment, which I call my penthouse. That was the just the beginning of my adventures. Having a doctor at Mass General (Dr. Raji) I had been on a drug called Thalidomide, which was in pill form and it was no longer working for me. I needed to start a treatment called Velcade in an infusion twice a week.

Well the heavens opened up for me when I found Dr. Barbara Shea/Civiello at Wentworth Douglass Hospital. She is the most compassionate, thoughtful, considerate, respectful, and the most inspirational doctor that I have ever met. Having been on Velcade on and off for 1 1/2 years, neuropathy developed, in my legs and feet were literally burnt from it. I asked Dr. Shea not to send me to Boston anymore because I could not travel there anymore by myself. She said, “Don't worry, Rina, Amy's Treat will pick you up at your house and bring you back after your appointment.”

On the day I was to go to Boston for my appointment, I met Michael, who owns a tour company. Well, I don't know who talked the most. On Amy's behalf, I would like to thank Michael for all the rides he gives to cancer patients. I will never be able to show my gratitude to Amy's Treat for helping me keep my independence. Her memory will live on forever through the cancer patients she has helped, with gas cards, dinner, and travel for people finishing a grueling treatment of radiation and chemo.