Royce Newberry, Alexandria Bay, NY

2012 Alexandria Bay R.J. McLennan Immediate Need Fund Recipient

Royce had been an active member of the Alexandria Bay community for many years.  He had been battling medical issues for a few years, with this past year being very difficult due to wounds that would not heal.  He  received care from many medical personnel, but at last, he had to have his leg amputated this spring.  He had spent much time in the hospital in Syracuse, NY, 100 miles from home.  His wife, Gerri, was making that trip daily for many weeks/months, having to pay for gas and food daily, and including parking lot fees of $14 per day.  Gerri had to take time from her job as a Special Education teacher's assistant.  She also worked year-round in the evenings and weekends at a small grocery store in town.  Royce was home but needed daily medial care that only Gerri was providing.  He had a wound-vac to help clear up a wound on his good leg that doctors were hoping to heal.  He had 2 IV's each day and was on a feeding tube that required special food.  The Newberrys helped many others in the community.  Fittingly, Gerri was hired for her job at school by Ronald J. McLennan, the namesake of the INF.