Jane Lloyd Fund provides support for area cancer patients
By Ruth Epstein, Republican American - July 31, 2023
SALISBURY – The diagnosis of cancer can be traumatizing. Not only are patients dealing with health aspects, but the financial worries that may occur if they are unable to work during treatment.
Fortunately for the residents of Canaan, Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, Salisbury and Sharon, there is some help.
The Jane Lloyd Fund was founded by the Lloyd family after their sister lost her eight-year battle to the disease at age 42 in 2005. During her illness, the community rallied and because of their generosity, Lloyd was able to remain in her home, live on her own and continue her gardening business.
Wanting others to experience the same sense of well-being, they came up with the idea of the fund, which was established at the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
The group’s major fundraiser is the annual New England Clambake which took place on Saturday.
Patrice McGrath, social services director in Salisbury said of the Jane Lloyd Fund, “It has made a huge difference in the lives of those who use it. It takes away some of the anxiety and helps them get better.”
The money raised provides direct support for patients’ day-to-day living expenses. The fund literature states, “It is with joyous hearts that this fund has been established to continue the chain of generosity and goodwill linking Jane to many other families long into the future. Our goal is simple: to raise funds in the name of Jane Lloyd to help individuals battling cancer live more comfortably and with dignity in their own home during treatment.”
On Saturday, crews of volunteers gathered in the heat at Satre Hill to put on the meal that featured clam chowder, a raw bar, lobsters, steamed clams, potatoes, corn and other fixings. The centerpiece of the event is the hand-built kiln made of stone, wood and seaweed.
Aptly manned by those with years of experience, the kiln creates an enormous fire pit on which the lobsters, clams, potatoes and corn are cooked. Alternate layers of seaweed and food are piled on top and the entire mound is covered with a canvas drenched in seawater to seal in the heat and prevent the canvas from burning.
Hundreds of diners gathered to enjoy the meal and surroundings of the ski jump grounds, listen to the music of Eliot Osborn and Friends and take part in the camaraderie of the day while supporting the worthy cause.
Legions of cancer patients and their families have received assistance from the fund. Smanatha Hasenflue, social services director in Kent, said many of her clients have been able to tap into the fund.
“They’ve used it to pay for mortgages or utilities,” she said. “Everyone is so gratified when they learn what they’re getting. The fund is unique – I’ve never seen another like it. It’s an unbelievable blessing to have.”
