New Boston, Ill. - "Community rallies around woman fighting 2nd round of cancer"

Another story of an insured person relying on bake sales and fund raisers to meet their medical bills.

http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2009/10/26/news/doc4ae5cc3742f35232822211.txt

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Dorothy Saddoris is hoping and praying her family’s good track record holds out for a third time in its battles with cancer.

Her grandson, Brad Saddoris of Joy, Ill., who is a Mercer County High School senior, overcame Hodgkins lymphoma after being diagnosed with the illness last winter.

“He is doing great,” Dorothy Saddoris said.

Now, her family is dealing with her second cancer diagnosis.

Saddoris, of New Boston, Ill., had surgery to remove cancer from her lung in August 2008 followed by gall bladder surgery and the insertion of a stint in one of the arteries that led to her heart.

When doctors told her the surgeries were successful, Saddoris looked forward to recovering and getting back to quilting and yard work.

But it wasn’t long before she began experiencing aches and pains that sent her to a chiropractor seeking relief.

In August 2009, she returned to her doctors and received a diagnosis of bone and lung cancer.

Since then, she has been following a schedule of chemotherapy, radiation and medication to fight the stage-4 cancers.

“If I didn’t take treatments, it wouldn’t be long before I would have to go to hospice,” she said.

They have insurance with a $4,500 deductible and are paying 40 percent of prescription costs.

Her family and friends will hold a benefit from 6-10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Eliza Community Center to help with the mounting medical bills. The benefit will include a breakfast of sausage, gravy and biscuits, a bake sale and auctions.

Saddoris cried a little when she discussed the kindness she’s been shown.

“I thought it was very wonderful that our friends and neighbors thought so much of us,” she said.

Dorothy and her husband of 46 years, Glen H. Saddoris, have lived in the community their entire lives.

Glen H. retired from the Hon Co. and Dorothy worked with him as a fence builder and running a yard/lawn mowing service. They are also responsible for maintaining the Eliza Creek Cemetery.

For many years the couple enjoyed trail riding, and remain active in the Illinois City Saddle Club.

Those activities and Dorothy’s quilting have all been put on hold due to the complications of her illness.

“We’re praying and hoping this all turns out OK,” said Dorothy, who has plenty of reasons to get well.

She and Glen H. have two sons, Glen L. and wife, Amy, Saddoris of Joy, Ill.; and Leroy and wife, Sheri, Saddoris of Aledo; three grandchildren, Lisa, Bradley, Desiree; and one great-grandson, Brenton.

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