March 29, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

567 turn out for Hogan bone marrow drive

When we spoke with Nancy Hogan of Bangor following the effort by friends and State Farm Insurance associates of her husband, Dick, in organizing a bone marrow drive to try to find a potential donor for their son, Scott, it was obvious Nancy was completely taken aback by the outpouring of love and support her family received.

She never imagined so many people from far and near, old friends and new, would respond to such a plea.

“People came whom I hadn’t seen in years,” she said. “And not just from around Bangor. They came from everywhere.”

Scott, 28, has acute leukemia. Currently in remission following aggressive chemotherapy, he is a possible candidate for a bone marrow transplant.

The 1986 Hampden Academy graduate joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from Boston University. He served aboard nuclear submarines, including the USS Maine, before retiring from the Navy following his diagnosis. He lives with his wife, Ronda (Winship), 4-year-old Megan and 2-year-old Scott in Waterford, Conn.

Nancy said Scott will be interviewing with hospitals throughout the country to help determine what approach doctors will take in treating his disease.

A search was launched for a donor since no member of Scott’s family was found to be a match. Part of that search included a bone marrow drive Aug. 28 at the Hammond Street Congregational Church here.

Organizers had hoped 500 people would be tested. They were not disappointed. When the six-hour drive ended, 567 people had joined the national Marrow Donor Program Registry.

Nancy, Dick, Ronda, Scott and his sister, Sheri Butler, wrote the NEWS expressing their gratitude.

“The Hogan families wish to thank all the volunteers who spent countless hours working on the bone marrow drive, each of the 567 donors, and the many who came but were unable to donate,” the family wrote.

“In addition, we want to thank Hammond Street Church for their support, the State Farm Insurance Agents who were the organizers, the individuals from the national Marrow Donor Bank who provided the information and skills necessary to do the testing and, last but not least, the media for helping to educate the public about the need for bone marrow donations.

“Our sincere hope is that someone will benefit from this town’s generosity.”

We add our own sincere hope that someone is a match for Scott Hogan.

The Maine Audubon Society is again seeking volunteer tour guides for its “Secrets of the Forest” program beginning mid-September. The society’s Judy Markowsky, at 581-2900, would happily answer any questions you have about the opportunity to lead a small group of schoolchildren along a trail in the University’s Woodland Preserve.

Markowsky reports that during the tours — which teach children forest ecology — they tap on hollow trees, walk along trunks of fallen trees, and tunnel under thickets. To be a tour guide, you need to attend several two-hour orientation sessions. Call Markowsky for the schedule.

Since 1902, The Good Samaritan Agency, at 450 Essex St., Bangor, has offered services for single parents and helped build families through adoption. This September, the Cole Land Transportation Museum is helping “Good Sam,” as the agency is fondly known.

Lisa Wahlstrom, GSA director of development and community relations, proudly reports that all proceeds from museum ticket sales this month will benefit this agency.

The museum is located on Perry Road, off Interstate 95 at Exit 45B. Tickets are $2 for adults, free for children under 18. You may purchase tickets at the museum, at The Good Samaritan Agency, or the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce on Main Street beside the Paul Bunyan statue.

Here’s something to tuck away in your memory for next year, especially if you are a model train enthusiast.

Edgar Jackson, director for the recent Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce third annual Model Train Show, reports the event was “one of the most successful and best-attended miniature train shows in Maine.”

Jackson said the committee was very pleased that “an increasing number of families, including children” took an interest in the show. He is grateful for the extensive community support, both by individuals and local businesses. According to Jackson, the show drew people from New England and beyond.

He made one important point that anyone would find hard to argue.

“Of special interest to the community is the fact that many of those from away who attended the show stayed in the area following the show to enjoy other local interests and activities.”

Riding on the wave of this success, Jackson reports planning for next year’s show has already begun.

The Standpipe, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.


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