Shelton, CT (7/15/2009) -
Justin ("JJ") Fortin, a graduate of
Tyrell Middle School was your typical rambunctious,
spunky, and mischievous 13 year old boy until
he became ill in late May. After Preliminary
tests at St. Mary's Hospital he was rushed to
Connecticut Children's Medical Center where
he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
("AML"), a cancer which attacks the
white blood cells and can eliminate a child's
immune system, or worse. The cancer moved quickly
and caused Justin to have a stroke, memory loss,
and other medical issues.
While he is currently undergoing chemotherapy
and is under the care of eight doctors in Hartford,
he is being kept in a special germ-free room
and the doctors indicate that he will have to
stay at the hospital for at least six months.
Justin's dad, Wayne Fortin - a lifelong Wolcott
resident - has just returned to work after a
layoff, and after a full day or work, returns
to the hospital to be with his son. Him mom,
Donna Geary-Fortin, has not left Justin's side.
Her popular Wolcott restaurant and deli ("Just
For You Too") is now being run on a day
to day basis by Justin's older sister Desiree,
until she returns to college.
As you can imagine, the medical expenses not
covered by insurance are already enormous, and
the family expenses will continue to mount up
over the months ahead.
Friends of the Fortin Family will be having
a benefit barbeque cookout (hamburgers, hot
dogs, salads, and all the "fixins"),
a disc jockey and raffle. The barbeque will
be held on July 22 at Peterson Park from 4pm
to 8pm. Tickets will be available from all committee
members.
We are looking for your help in the form of
a donation. It can be in the form of a monetary
gift* or a raffle prize, please know that your
donation will be greatly appreciated.
A banner of donors will be displayed at the
benefit, and will hang in Justin's room to remind
him of all the "friends" that are
thinking of him.
In advance, we the committee, along with the
Fortin Family, say THANK YOU!
*If donation is monetary, please make check
payable to "Justin Fortin Benefit Fund"
Checks can be mailed to The Donovan's, 55 Forestview
Drive, Wolcott, CT 06716.
New England ATV-MX, Inc. hopes to see Justin
(JJ) back at the races as soon as possible.
The NEATV family misses you!!!
