Mahopac

Community Cares offers help to those in medical crises

 

Amy Sayegh recalls the day when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I was overwhelmed, frightened, confused, and uncertain—yet I had a young family to think about. What will happen to them while I undergo treatments?"

Amy and her husband had three children at the time—aged 6, 5, and 3. The Mahopac resident underwent surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and remembered the huge support she received from her family, friends, and church community.

While conferring with others who survived cancer during her treatments, Sayegh found that not everyone was as fortunate. "While a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, Community Cares helps to provide some stability and peace of mind."

The non-profit organization founded by Sayegh shortly after her recovery, with a network of volunteers and businesses, supports families in medical crisis.

Services include meals from local restaurants, wash-and-fold services from local laundries, and even house cleaning.

Amy said Community Cares functions as a "facilitator and does not prepare meals, or do any cleaning or laundering. Our volunteers pick up and drop off meals, laundry, and even run errands. We are ready to assist parents who have young children to care for. Raising a child is challenging enough without dealing with a life-threatening illness."

Sayegh called Community Cares "my way of giving back. I have been blessed because my cancer was cured. Each day cancer research is being conducted that gives us all hope that someday the dreaded diagnosis that has affected every family in Putnam County in some shape or form will be eradicated. What about the families going through the torture with their loved ones? They need help and support as well. Community Cares is there for them."

Sayegh has asked the public to either donate to the organization or join the growing list of sponsors. Those interested can call Community Cares at 519-6048 or wrote to Box 72, Mahopac Falls, NY 10542.

On Saturday (June 27) a community Give-Back BBQ is planned at Sycamore Park in Mahopac to honor survivors as well as thanking the volunteers and sponsors who have assisted Community Cares. Food and drink will be provided by Chili's Restaurant in Baldwin Place.

Sayegh had special thanks to members of the group's Board of Directors, including Angela Aquilato, Gina Aurisicchio, Tony Fusco, John Sayegh, Jackie Annabi, Sarah Wilson, and Janette Yetter, as well as to the group's Board of Advisors—William Sayegh, Sheriff Donald Smith, and Putnam County Judge James Reitz.

—Eric Gross