the Right Angler
First and foremost, it is safe. Our Police and Fire Departments are exceptional with strong leadership and many well-trained, dedicated men and women. It certainly is comforting to know that there are such trustworthy, competent professionals willing to risk their safety for ours.
Our school system is excellent. From the administration to the teachers to the employees, we can feel confident that our children are in good hands and are receiving a top-notch education. Unlike other school systems throughout the country, North Attleboro schools do not allow radical political agendas to control curriculum or influence the classroom. This is rare and something that we can all be thankful for.
Our youth sports programs are second to none. The town employees and volunteers that run these programs simply do a great job and create an environment that is both fun and instructive. Strong youth sports build strong, confident children.
Our Church leadership is outstanding and distinguished. Father Dave Costa at St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Church, Father Tom Frechette at St. Mark’s Church and Reverend Maryalice Sullivan at Grace Episcopal Church are all passionate about their faith, their Church and their work in the community. We are fortunate to have them.
State Representative Betty Poirier brings logic, reason and an understanding of those she represents to Beacon Hill. She is one of the few representatives in this state that puts her constituents and their freedom first.
Yes. North Attleboro is a special place. It is safe, has exceptional schools, good youth sports, solid Representation and strong Church leadership. Most of all though, what makes North Attleboro such a great place to raise a family are the people.
Because of the people, North Attleboro is more than a town, it is a community in every sense of the word. I know because I’ve lived in North Attleboro since I was 6 years old. I was raised by my parents here, went to school here, learned from teachers, coaches and neighbors here, made my best friends here, met my wife here and now we’re raising our children here. There is a reason that so many people who grow up here, stay here or come back here. It is the shared values and the sense of community we have. It is the willingness to pull together and be there for those in need. It is that feeling that our neighbors and our friends are extended family.
Well, today, there is a member of our family that needs our help. In December of 2008, Gina Conrad noticed a lump on the back of her 3 year old son, Gregory’s, neck. She took him to his pediatrician who sent him to an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist who sent him to a general surgeon. The specialists felt that the lump was not cancerous but said they could remove it at the Conrad’s convenience. His mother opted for surgery in March.
Nine days later Gregory’s parents received the phone call that no parent ever wants to receive. Gregory’s tumor was malignant. The surgeon wanted them to go to his office the following morning to meet with a team of doctors from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute / Jimmy Fund Clinic. Gregory went through several days of back to back testing: MRI, CT scan, PET scan, bone marrow biopsy, etc. On April 1st the Conrad’s learned that Gregory had Extrosseous Ewing Sarcoma. He had to proceed with surgery and Chemotherapy. He has gone back every two weeks since.
Gina and her husband, Gregg are experiencing every parents worst nightmare. Their shy, 3 year old son with big beautiful brown eyes who loves Thomas the Tank Engine and the movie: Cars has cancer.
There is a long road ahead for the Conrad family. Before the diagnosis, both Gregg and Gina worked full time to support their family, Gregg as a Truck Driver at Gioioso and Sons in Hyde Park and Gina as a Speech Therapist at the Kennedy-Donovan Early Intervention Center in Attleboro. They also have a 5 year old daughter, Sophia, who attends St. Mary’s Sacred Heart School. Because of Gregory’s compromised immune system, Gina has had to stay home with him and has been unable to work. There is an increasing financial strain developing as a result.
So what can we do? First, on Friday October 16th at 7:00PM there is a “Great Night for Gregory” fundraiser being held at the Attleboro Elks Club. There will be a Silent Auction with many great items that you can view at: www.gregorysfight.com. You can either contact Gregg at 508-207-6341 to donate additional items for the auction and/or attend this night to bid on these great items. If you can't make it to the fundraiser, you can make a difference by sending a donation to the family:
Gregory Conrad’s Cancer Fund
Jeannie Fine, Treasurer
6 Charlene Dr.
Mansfield, MA 02048
508-261-2859
Lastly, you can pray for little Gregory and his family as they fight the battle of their lives. There is real power in prayer.
North Attleboro is a special place because of families like the Conrads. Let’s show them the true meaning of community. Please visit www.gregorysfight.com for more information.