Sandy McDonald: 

" Her Decision to Walk Creates the Path Ahead "

by Trish Hesslein

Co-workers have described Sandy as passionate about her job, supportive of her staff and a leader by example.  Her advocacy efforts have enhanced the lives of the individuals we serve and directly impact those who reside at the Bucks Hill group home.  Sandy has served as a manager at the Waterbury group for the past thirteen years.  She gets things done; is quick to get involved and lend a hand.  Whether organizing parties and outings for the participants, volunteering at Oak Hill’s golf fundraiser, serving on committees for Oak Hill, or supporting the Relay for Life in Waterbury; Sandy gives her all.   

In 1994, Sandy was asked by a friend if she would consider volunteering to help the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Waterbury.   At first she was hesitant.  She was balancing work, home and family obligations.  Sandy said, “I just didn’t want to take another thing on, but when I watched the survivors take their first lap around the field…I knew I wanted to help.  I was asked to serve as the Relay for Life’s Ceremonies Chair.  It was an amazing experience.”  Each year since, Sandy has increased her involvement having served as Chairs for Luminaries and Survivorship, and as Event Co-Chair.   This summer, Waterbury’s Relay for Life was ranked 14^th in New England and raised $236,000.  Now in her 17^th year, Sandy will Co-Chair the New England Taskforce and help to train 232 relays across New England.  She also serves on the National Relay Advisory Team and will travel to Arizona this winter to meet with other leaders from across the country.

Sandy reflected, “For me, I wanted to do something fun and be part of my community.  Sadly, everyone knows someone with cancer.  My cousin passed away a few years ago.  She was only 45 years old and left behind a husband and two children, ages 12 and 14.” Being involved with Relay for Life helps Sandy to celebrate her cousin’s life and others with cancer as well continue the fight to find a cure.  

Relay for Life is a community event to Celebrate survivors, Remember those who fought and lost their battle, and Fight Back against this disease.

Over the years, Sandy has met a lot of wonderful people.  She shared, “I’ve met so many friends through relay.  I’ve watched people ‘will’ themselves to live to participate in that final lap.  It’s so inspiring and emotional to watch.  For some, I’ve heard the very next day they pass away. Family reunions are held at Relays. Relay for Life sells various branded merchandise to raise funds. We learned recently they can’t seem to keep blankets in stock, and was told families use them to drape over their loved one’s coffin. Survivors wear their sashes with such beaming pride.  Relay for Life has been such a big part of many people’s lives.”   

Hopeful news!

• For the third year in a row, Waterbury’s Relay for Life has the highest survivor: participant ratio in Connecticut.

• Relay for Life provides funds for many things like Road to Recovery which provides survivors with free rides to and from treatment; and Hope Lodges, which are facilities where survivors and their caregivers may stay (at no cost) while they receive treatment away from home.  

• Relay for Life is international with 19 countries involved; Zambia is one of newest to join.

• The American Cancer Society is proud of the 46 Nobel Laureates who were supported before they went on to win; a tribute to the Society’s Research program.  

• American Cancer Society offers a toll-free support line which is staffed 24-hours/7 day a-week.  For more, please visit www.cancer.org

Save the Date:

American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Waterbury will begin at 8:00AM on Saturday, June 2, 2012 and continue for 24 hours ending at 8:00AM on Sunday, June 3, 2012.  Participants walk through the night because cancer never sleeps.  If you’d like to can get involved by forming a team (10 or more) to walk laps or to make a pledge, please visit   www.relayforlife.org/waterburyct  or email: dayna@waterburyrelay.com

Sandy’s Helpful Tips:

• Wear sunscreen ( no matter what your skin tone!); reapply every 2 hours

• If you smoke-QUIT!

• Exercise and remember to hydrate often

• Get recommended health screens- Early detection can save lives

My Dear Colleagues: 

On Wednesday, November 9^th, I attended the Governor’s Two Storm Panel and provided my testimony.   In this testimony I expressed my gratitude to all of you for your extraordinary commitment to the mission of Oak Hill and the people in our care.  I know many of you were away from your own homes and family who were also without power as you cared for our program participants and made your way to our facilities, sometimes at personal risk given the severe destruction caused by Storm Alfred.  It tested the limits of all our disaster planning.  There is much we, and the state, can learn from this in order to prepare for the next time.  Personally and through our trade associations we are lobbying strongly for funding to expand the number of hard wired generators for our group homes.  We now know that in reality, if a major natural disaster hits, we will be on our own for some time.  I will be convening key members of our staff who can provide insights into what we can do to better prepare.  My testimony outlines what some of the major problems are and we will be working on those.  People's lives do depend on what we do every day and their families are reassured to know that they are in good hands here at Oak Hill.  Please accept my heartfelt gratitude to you all for your personal commitment to the principle of the common good and the care of the most vulnerable!!  I am proud to be among you.

Patrick J. Johnson, Jr., LCSW

To read Pat Johnson's testimony while attending the Governor's Two Storm Panel, click here!

To read the article in the The Connecticut Mirror "Storm Panel Told of Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities", click the link below!

http://www.ctmirror.org/story/14465/storm-panel-health-care-disabilitie