Samantha DuBois showed a lot of grit and heart on the diamond for the Conant softball team. Now, she’s in a battle far bigger than a playoff game. DuBois, a Rindge resident, is at Boston Children’s Hospital battling leukemia. It’s not going to be easy for DuBois, but things are looking up.
For one, she received a stem cell donation from a man in Poland. She underwent surgery in late October which was successful and rendered her cancer-free.
Plus, the community is rallying around her. And not just her hometown communit, either — it looks like Boston is Sammy Strong as well. Recently, DuBois received a visit from Boston Bruins players Brandan Carlo, Danton Heinen, Torey Krug, John-Michael Liles, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak — sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
What’s more, there is a whole support system back in Rindge working to help her and her family. When Rindge Athletic Men’s Club president Jim O’Loughlin and the rest of the RAMS got wind of the situation, they rallied.
“Everything we do is geared toward: ‘What can we do for the betterment of the community?’” O’Loughlin said. “We want to make it as easy as we can for Sammy because she’s going through some hard times. With that kind of circumstance any and all support is huge for a family.”
To that end, the RAMS have organized a family-style spaghetti supper this Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the Rindge Meeting House. It’s just a $5 suggested donation with a $20 per family maximum, and proceeds go to the DuBois family. The menu includes spaghetti, salad, Sherree Hodgson’s famous cookies, and more, though O’Loughlin said the food is secondary.
“I hope people come out for the cause, but oh by the way, we have some food as well,” O’Loughlin said. “It’s not just about raising some money, it’s about getting the whole community together. It’s everybody in this great town getting together and supporting one of own kids.”
For more information about the event, visit www.facebook.com/events/1157071234382894 or check out the Sammystrong Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Sammystrong-1258506184160495.