Author: Sharon

Friends on Facebook posted this important letter:

From the Times–

To the editor:

Being friends of Jim and Marilyn Curcuru for many years, we are writing to ask our community for its help.

Many of you may or may not know Jim and Marilyn, so let me tell you about them. Marilyn was stricken with multiple sclerosis more than 25 years ago. She was employed by the now Shaw’s Supermarket.

Even though Marilyn is in a wheelchair and has been for many years, she was still sitting in at Shaw’s Railroad Avenue once in awhile. She is the person you see smiling and giving out samples.

Jim had his own business, Jim’s Frame Design, and while he continued to maintain his business, he would have to leave whenever Marilyn needed help at home since she was confined to a wheelchair. No one expects such horrible circumstances, but people deal with their problems.

Then, about five years ago, Jim had a major heart attack and almost died. Working miracles, his Boston doctors were able to save him. About two weeks ago, he had more problems and was forced to close his business.

Jim now has a small part-time job and they continue to struggle, but they continue to deal with what comes their way. Life has not been easy.

Recently, they had some problems with their old wheelchair-accessible van and Jim came up with the money to fix it, only to find out that, within weeks of the work being done, the floor of the van had rotted out. No one who had repaired the van had realized that the floor was falling through.

The floor of the van cannot be repaired. They now have no vehicle, and Marilyn is not only confined to her wheelchair, but to her house, too. Local wheelchair vans are only available for doctors and or medical appointments.

How do they keep going? Being the people that they are, they won’t ask for help, but they need it — desperately. Everyone is in tough times and many are out of work. We are hoping that with donations, they will be able to acquire a used wheelchair-accessible van, even though they are very expensive. With the help of the community, we’re hoping this can be achieved.

There are many businesses and organizations here in Gloucester that help people. We are hoping that some of them will come forward and help with donations as well. If there is anyone out there who can help with even a small donation (even a dollar) or knows someone who can help with a wheelchair accessible van that could be donated, they would be helped immensely.

If anyone would like to help, please send any checks made out to Jim and Marilyn Curcuru Van Fund. Any checks should be sent c/o Rockport National Bank, 4 Parker St., Gloucester, MA, 01930.

If you only have a dollar to spare, please feel free to drop any donation off in the afternoons at STUFF, 161 Main St., where there is a cash donation set up. If you have any questions or know of a van that might be available for them, please feel free to call Louise or Joe Palazzola at 978-281-1048, or Anthony and Eleanor Curcuru at 978-281-0874. We want to thank Rockport National Bank for setting up this account for them. Any and all questions will be appreciated.

JOE AND LOUISE PALAZZOLA

RONNY AND KATHY CURCURU

JOHN AND PATTI BICHAO

ANTHONY AND ELEANOR CURCURU

DAVID AND MARY ANN HORNE

LENNY AND PATTI ORLANDO

TERRY AND JEAN DUTTON

Gloucester