Medical fund will support Richard Marney family through cancer treatment

Published 2:38 pm Friday, January 13, 2012

Longtime island resident and Island Market employee Richard Marney and his family are in great need of community support as Richard undergoes treatment for esophageal cancer this winter.

The cancer was discovered in October when Richard started having trouble swallowing, and it has been determined to be inoperable and incurable. Richard is currently undergoing chemotherapy every week and will eventually be starting radiation treatment.

Richard’s wife Linda, has become the family’s sole financial supporter, and two of their grown children, Elyshia and Jerod, are trying to find odd jobs in order to help contribute.

Richard is very weak from chemotherapy and has difficulty eating, so Elyshia and Jerod take turns helping Richard throughout the day. Richard’s insurance is due to expire at the end of January.

Donations can be made at Islanders Bank to the Richard Marney Medical Fund. To hire Elyshia or Jerod for odd jobs, leave a message for them at 376-5477.

“Please come together as a community and offer this island family some help and support,” said organizer Judy Lundgren. “Thank you to all the wonderful residents of Orcas Island.”