Community comes out to support woman battling cancer

By Mandy Coriston
Andover Borough — The Andover Borough Fire Department building was packed to the rafters on Saturday, July 7, as family and friends came out for a Beef and Beer Fundraiser for Tammy Gresik Insinga, who is undergoing treatment for Stage III colorectal cancer. The money raised during the event, organized by Insinga’s daughter Amber Callow, will help cover expenses while Insinga is out of work following her upcoming surgery and chemotherapy.
“It’s just so wonderful,” Callow said. “We sold over 200 tickets, but beyond the money, it’s really special that people have shown such generosity and support before my mom’s surgery.”
Those gathered were sporting t-shirts inscribed with “Tammy’s Tribe,” as well as beads, temporary ribbon tattoos, and novelty headbands, all in the dark blue of colon cancer awareness. A large cake emblazoned with an awareness ribbon sat waiting for dessert to be served, while people perused the available basket raffles and ate lunch from a large buffet from Sullivan Catering of Budd Lake. Music was provided by Kirk Kandel, aka DJ Captain Kirk, who also DJ’d Insinga’s wedding last year.
“When I heard what was going on, I knew I had to be here,” he said, “Anything for Tammy!”
Insinga, who will undergo surgery to remove her tumor on July 24, was in good spirits as she greeted friends and thanked attendees for coming.
“I’m a low-key person, and I am just blown away by all this,” she said, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude.”
The energy in the room was markedly positive, as people laughed and visited with friends and neighbors. Insinga’s friend, Karen Booser-Crossley said, “Tammy’s been such a blessing to me, I couldn’t ask for a better best friend. It’s been 25 years. We raised our kids together, and have taken care of each other. I told her, there’s nothing we can’t get through.”
Judging by the show of support at the firehouse on Saturday, it’s evident that Tammy does, indeed, have quite a tribe.
The family wants to continue spreading a message of gratitude and awareness, encouraging everyone to follow the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for getting screened for colon cancers.
“My mom’s sisters are now getting screened,” Callow said, “It’s really opened our eyes to the importance of it.”
Information on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of colon cancers can be found on the American Cancer Society’s website at <URL destination="http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html. ">www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html.