The Temple Town Hall was filled Tuesday night with Christina Ferguson’s friends and family – as well as many strangers – giving to support her family in her time of need.
Ferguson, of Temple, was recently diagnosed with stage IV cancer, which has spread to her spinal column, kidneys, lungs and brain.
Only diagnosed three weeks ago, the family has had to deal with a sudden new reality. The town and church community have rallied to help, including Tuesday’s spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the Town Hall, which raised $6,469 in cash donations and $100 in gas gift cards.
“Christina was just overwhelmed by the support,” said her husband, Jonah Ferguson, on Wednesday. “It was really touching to see a small town come together for her. The turnout was amazing. People I didn’t even know showed up to support her.”
“I think it’s wonderful,” said Ferguson’s aunt, Cheryl Curran, who had traveled in from Billerica, Massachusetts to attend Tuesday’s supper. “I’m not from a small town, and there, people don’t do this kind of thing,” she said, giving a nod to the long white tables packed into the Town Hall, filled with families eating spaghetti.
Barbara Madsen of Hollis, another of Ferguson’s aunts, agreed that the outpouring of sentiment from the community has been bolstering for the family.
“This whole experience so far, she’s been on a roller coaster, and she’s taken a lot of people with her,” said Madsen. “She’s been feeling a lot of love from people that she doesn’t even know.”
Amy Cabana, who organized the supper and a raffle, said the endeavor was a testament to how the community could come together in support of one of their own.
“It’s inspiring, and it was an amazing group of people that came out to help out and volunteer. It was a lot of people that didn’t know each other, and they all pulled together and it ran like clockwork,” said Cabana. “It was amazing. People came from far and wide.”
Donations also came from the community in the form of raffle items, which supper-goers purchased tickets for, including a luxury box for a Fisher Cats game, gift baskets, and a free photography session.
Ferguson will be going for additional tests this week, said Jonah Ferguson.
“It’s just a whirlwind, and we’re just looking one day ahead to get through this,” he said.
Those that wish to donate to the Ferguson family can also do so at gofundme.com/supporting-christina-amp-family.
St. Patrick Church in Milford is also organizing volunteers to assist with meals, keeping up with the house, and any additional needs for the family. To be added to the list of volunteers, call the church office at (603) 673-1311.