OXFORD – Some people are truly angels, always there for others in their time of need and never hesitating to lend a hand or help raise money for a cause.
Carol Loefstedt is one of those people.
“She’s helped in many different fundraisers,” said Connie Rowlison, Loefstedt’s longtime friend and fellow member of both the American Legion Auxiliary and the Oxford Fire Department Auxiliary. “She’s always been there.”
Now, Loefstedt is the one in need, and those who she has touched with friendship and compassion over the years are rallying behind her.
In September, the Oxford woman was diagnosed with mantle cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer affecting the lymph system. She underwent four rounds of chemotherapy at Wilson Hospital before seeking additional treatment at the Cancer Treatment Center of America at the Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion, Illinois.
Loefstedt’s twin, Sharyl Patton, has been by her side since day one. Immediately following her sister’s diagnosis, the former-nurse rented out her home in Corning and moved in with Loefstedt and her husband Marty.
According to Patton, the care Loefstedt is receiving at the Cancer Treatment Center is exemplary.
“This is an amazing place,” she said. “It’s been wonderful.”
The distance, however, has already begun to create a strain. Loefstedt’s husband has already made several trips back and forth, and her daughters have scheduled trips as well. Those travel expenses will only increase over time as, according to Patton, the length of Loefstedt’s stay at the facility is indefinite. She recently began to receive spinal chemotherapy in addition to her other treatment.
“It’s been a lot for the family,” said Patton, explaining that Laura, one of Loefstedt’s three daughters, only recently battled melanoma.
But they won’t have to go it alone.
“Carol has always been there when any of us ever needed help, or a friend to lean on, so now it’s our turn to give back,” said Louise Butcher, another of Loefstedt’s longtime friends. She is one of many who will be volunteering their time on Feb. 12 and 13 during the “Weekend of Love for Carol.” The two-day fundraiser, which will be held at the Oxford American Legion, is being sponsored jointly by the American Legion Auxiliary and the Oxford Fire Department Auxiliary.
Rowlison is helping to organize the fundraising event, along with other members of both organizations.
According to Rowlison, the fundraiser will kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday morning with a chicken barbecue. Chicken will be available for $6 per half, $8 per meal until all are sold, she said. A bake sale will be held in conjunction with the barbecue.
Fundraising effort will continue Saturday evening with Karaoke from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Legion. And the proceeds from Sunday morning’s Legion breakfast, which takes place from 7:30 to 11 a.m., will also be donated to the cause. A soup and pie sale will take place at the breakfast at well.
Raffle tickets will also be sold throughout the weekend.
“We’re hoping to get donations for basket raffles,” Rowlison explained. Already a number of individuals and businesses have stepped forward to donate baskets, including Butcher, Chenango County 4-H, Blue Ox and First Edition Bookstore.
The raffle drawing will take place at 11 a.m. on Sunday, following the breakfast. Participants need not be present to win.
While Loefstedt, who remains the Cancer Treatment Center, will not be able to attend the fundraiser, she knows of the community’s efforts.
“She’s very deeply touched,” said Patton, speaking on behalf Loefstedt, who was too overcome with emotion to speak herself.
Those interested in contributing items for the raffle or bake sale, or volunteering during the two-day fundraiser should contact Connie Rowlison at 843-7565, Eileen Lewis at 843-2392 or Lou Page at 843-9440.
Those wishing to make a donation can do so in person at the NBT Bank in Oxford. Checks should be made out to the Carol Loefstedt Benefit. Donations can also be mailed to: Carol Loefstedt Benefit, c/o NBT Bank, P.O. Box 511, Oxford, NY 13830.