Community Corner

High 5s For Nancy Richard

Boys U12 Warriors Soccer Team team shows support for mother with debilitating cancer.

This past Sunday as members of the Boys U12 Warriors Soccer Team paid tribute to a local mother facing a most debilitating cancer, the day became especially memorable. 

Nancy Richard's weakening condition had made it difficult to attend her son Sean's games but she was determined to attend the final match at Memorial Field Sunday. 

At half time, complete with pink hair and "N.R." inscribed cleat covers, greeted Richard with high fives. 

Richard opted out of pain medicine to be at the game, her husband John said. The family knew about the cleats and hair but was surprised by the half-time gesture.

"A lot of credit goes to the coaches and players; talk about young boys become young men," John Richard said. "It touched her heart." 

Recently the team also presented the Richard family a signed pink game ball that also contained Nancy's cancer-fighting slogan, "Hope, Faith, and Love for Nancy." 

"Throughout this season, as a team we have talked about the importance of supporting each other as members of a team, particularly during times of adversity," said John Mason, one of three team coaches. "These were small gestures of support for our teammate Sean, whose family is going through a very difficult time right now." 

In 2012 Richard was treated for breast cancer. Earlier this year, doctors discovered two cancerous brain tumors in Richard, a mother of five. A stroke during one surgery left her with additional physical challenges and in September the family learned the cancer had spread to her lungs and treatment was no longer an option.

The support from the soccer team has just been one example of outreach. Members of the community have served meals, provided transportation for the kids, held fundraisers and muchmore. 

"It's just a credit to our community," John Richard said. "Canton's been a class act all the way. None one asks for these things and people just keep giving. It kind of reflects who Nancy is as a person." 

And the community is still giving. 

A "Night for Nancy" fundraiser for the family is planned at La Trattoria, 21 Old Albany Turnpike, Canton from 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 8. Twenty dollars of the $30 admission ticket and 100 percent of raffle funds goes directly to the family. Prizes include vacation getaways, a television and numerous locally themed gift baskets with concert tickets, gift cards, wines and and much more. Admission includes a salad bar, pasta and dessert stations. Cash bar will be available. 

Tickets will be available at the door but for planning purposes please RSVP to nightfornancyrichard@gmail.com

Those who just want to donate to the family can do so via 
The Richard Team c/o Collinsville Savings Society
PO Box 350
Canton, CT 06019 




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