Page 14 - Florida Sentinel 9-23-16 Online Edition

Local
Young Man Diagnosed With Rare Cancer Needs Help
Anthony Hersey was di- agnosed with T-Cell Lym- phoblastic Leukemia a little over a year ago. Never in a million years did he think he would have gotten that kind of news. He knew from that point in his life, it was time to put on his boxing gloves and fight this disease. He knew that he could not let this de- feat him.
“I had only heard of chemotherapy and cancer, but was never really sure of what it actually was, until I had to go through it myself.
“I remember as a child, my mother telling me and my four siblings to "always stay strong". She taught us to al- ways keep God first, and she worked hard to make sure that we had everything that we needed.”
Hersey’s mother died in 2003, the summer before his 16th birthday, and at that mo- ment, he promised her and himself that he would always stay strong.
“Now that I am facing this battle, I can hear my mother's words telling me to stay strong, so I continue to fight. I currently reside in Riverview, FL with my fiance, Kiera, whom I've known
since the age of 8, and she has been by my side every step of the way, along with family and friends.”
After 4 treatments of chemotherapy, all cancer was gone and Hersey was in re- mission. However, 6 weeks later, it had come back. This caused a lot of distress on him and his family.
“About 3 months ago, I was told that I should nearly be ready for a bone marrow transplant at this time in my cancer journey, but it seems as if things are coming to a halt.
“Doctors are unsure of whattodonextandIamnow looking into alternative med- icines. I am looking to raise $30,000 in order for me to be able to continue my treat- ments and be cured of this disease.”
A GoFundMe account was created on behalf of Hersey for anyone who would like to donate. It doesn't matter the amount, big or small, all do- nations are greatly appreci- ated.
Hersey said, “thank you in advance, and I will be sure to keep everyone updated on my progress. Thank you and God bless!”
ANTHONY HERSEY
‘Support Tampa Bay’ Movement Seeks To Get People Connected
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
A name that’s familiar to one and all, Rich “Richie Rich” Jackson, has re- turned to the area to spear- head a movement.
The movement, called “Support Tampa Bay,” is an effort to help Tampa Bay be- come more connected to each other as people and as business owners.
With the help of a few friends like Big Bang, Mikado Da Pharoah, and Wyze Capone, Jackson has come up with a way to start networking and collab- orating with local musicians and local business owners as well as the community.
“With the help of a few friends and the community, I feel like everyone could share in the responsibility of look-
MIKADO DA PHAROAH
ing over each other’s shoul- ders if we could just learn to love one another and respect one another.
“I believe we can create a more harmonious and less terrorizing society and the time has come for us to start a movement before the dis-
ease takes over our city.” Jackson said he’s lis- tened to what the young peo- ple are saying on the streets, and their hopelessness is
spreading like cancer.
“I want to take the initia-
tive to change this and that’s why I use “Support Tampa Bay” as my battle cry.
“What I’ve done is enlisted the help of family and friends to go out and be active in the community, whether its feeding the homeless during an event on October 2nd, or supporting local businesses. This Friday, we’re going to be at Denise’s Island of Beauty, 4815 East Busch Boulevard.”
There will be pizza from Alessi’s Bakery, and Jack- son said this is only the be- ginning of a plan he’s put together to help families re- cover as well as communi- ties.
PAGE 2-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016