Community Corner

The SanGiacomo Family Announced as Honorary Chairpersons at Relay 2011

Information provided by Relay Event Chair Kelly Stewart.

The Relay For Life of Bethel 2011 recently announced that the Honorary Chairpersons for this year’s event is the SanGiacomo family of Bethel, who will preside over the opening ceremony at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 at the in downtown Bethel.

Ken and Joann SanGiacomo, who own the dental practice , have 14-year-old triplet sons: Matthew, Michael and Brian. The boys are freshmen in high school and are very active in sports, but the SanGiacomo’s busy routine was interrupted abruptly last fall. 

While at football practice, Brian felt ill; feeling nauseous and loss of appetite. When his symptoms persisted for three weeks, Brian’s doctor ordered tests. The SanGiacomos got the results of those tests on September 3, 2010 – Brian had Burkitt’s Lymphoma.

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Burkitt’s Lymphoma is a highly aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma that commonly affects children. Ken said the family was shocked by the news. “You never expect to hear those words about your child – that he has cancer,” he said.

“I was really overwhelmed at that point,” Brian said when he learned of his disease. “It was like a dream.” 

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Brian spent three months on and off in the hospital having chemo. His treatment was very aggressive and he spent most of those days feeling nauseous. Ken and Joann took turns working at their family dental practice and staying with Brian at the hospital.

Brothers Michael and Matthew would spend their weekends at the hospital with Brian, sacrificing time with their friends and giving up activities. Sometimes, Brian would not be feeling very well, but when reminded that his brothers were on their way, he said he would pull himself out of bed.

“Those were the craziest three months of my life,” Brian said.

His brother Michael said, “It was weird sometimes (when Brian was in the hospital) because no one was home.”

To bring the family together, Ken said, “We make a point to have dinner together every night.”

The family said they received "amazing" help and support from friends and neighbors, who would drop off meals, mow their lawn and walk their dog. They even came home to find that someone had weeded their garden. Michael and Matthew always had rides to school and sports practices. 

The family said they are relieved that Brian is now in remission. His prognosis is very good  as patients with Burkitts rarely have relapses. Ken and Joann said they are very proud of their triplets and the way they have handled Brian’s cancer diagnosis.

For information on Relay For Life of Bethel 2011 visit: www.relayforlife.org/bethelct or e-mail Kelly Stewart at krchstew@comcast.net.


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