North County Community Rallying Round Ailing Infant

Little Carrick Wood is battling a rare form of leukemia; the community has rallied around his family with a number of fundraisers.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Community members are drumming up support for local baby born with a rare form of leukemia.

Carrick Wood was born on July 4 to Pat and Crista Wood and rushed to Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center’s NICU, where he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia after two blood transfusions and chemotherapy. Currently Carrick and his parents have relocated to the Children's Hospital in Boston.

Brandon Horn, a family friend who is spearheading some of the fundraising, said Carrick suffers from a form of leukemia that is very rarely found in newborns. He said although the blue spots on his body he was born with are mostly gone, things are still touch and go.

"The blueness in him is almost all gone; if you look him now you would think he is doing pretty well, but in fact he's not," Horn said. "Crista was telling me they were doing more blood transfusions, and he has good days and bad days."

Although Carrick's condition is unknown at this point, Horn said the community is doing everything it can to help.

Among many donations from local people and businesses, Horn on Friday said he has also heard from the Boston Red Sox.

"They actually called me yesterday; they are on board and are going to make a donation," he said. "I have a ton of local people in businesses donating too; there is definitely a lot of people backing him up."

Horn has scheduled a Bowling tournament Saturday, Aug. 16, at Greylock Bowl and Golf. Four person teams can join for $60.

"People are really coming out for Carrick; I have 150 people confirmed to come to the bowling tournament," Horn said. "There is going to be a Chinese auction, a silent auction, a bake sale, and a 50/50 raffle; I'd like to get everyone out to the bowling alley if I could."

In addition to the bowling tournament, there will be a spaghetti supper at the Bounti-Fare on Tuesday, Aug. 12, to support Carrick along with a number of other events posted to the Carrick's Journey group on Facebook. Family and friends have also started a fundraising page on YouCaring.com.

Horn said anyone looking to join the tournament or who is looking to make a donation can contact him at brandonscateringservice@gmail.com, or by phone; 413-464-4799.

Northern Berkshire Celebrates Spirit of Caring Award Recipients

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
06:22PM / Friday, May 10, 2024

NBUW Executive Director Patti Messina recognizes two 'dynamic' women retiring this year: Janice Broderick and Christine MacBeth. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way on Thursday saluted members of the community who have stepped beyond their roles to help and support others. 

 

Among them was state Rep. John Barrett III, former longtime mayor of North Adams, who was recognized not only for his efforts on behalf of the city for so many years but a "softer side" not always apparent. 

 

The celebration was NBUW's sixth annual Spirit of Caring Awards, held at Norad Mill and attended by its member agencies, sponsors and community members. The room was packed at 3 West for the presentations of the Spirit of the Future Award to Officer Stephanie Mirante, the newly named Steve Green Spirit of Community Award to Wild Oats and the Al Nelson Spirit of Caring Award to Barrett. Also recognized was Adams Heating & Plumbing for campaign of the year. Barrett also provided a proclamation from the House to his fellow recipients. 

 

Executive Director Patti Messina first wanted to recognize two women who are retiring after years of serving the community: Janice Broderick of the Elizabeth Freeman Center and Christine Macbeth, president and CEO of the Brien Center. 

 

"They leave behind a legacy of dedication, commitment and hard work to this community," she said. "We salute you and thank you for your accomplishments."

 

Sharon DeMyer-Nemser and Ellen Sutherland, both members of the board of directors, presented Barrett, elected to the House in 2017, with the award. 

 

"Although John really needs no introduction, we would like to take a moment to review John's past and storied history in our community," said DeMyer-Nemser, ticking off accomplishments including fighting for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and convincing political leaders that arts and culture are vital components in building a strong creative economy in the Berkshires during his 26 years as mayor and representing North Berkshire on Beacon Hill.