FALMOUTH – Members of the Falmouth community are coming together in support of Falmouth Service Center Director Brenda Swain, who was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer earlier this year.
Between donations collected via a GoFundMe page and the Falmouth Jewish Congregation, about $75,000 have been donated to Swain’s medical and household expenses.
“I think it certainly says wonderful things about the community, but it says, even more importantly, wonderful things about Brenda and the kind of person she is,” said Rabbi Elias Lieberman of the Falmouth Jewish Congregation, of which Swain is a member.
“She’s just a remarkable resource for this community, and people recognize it, and were quick to express their concern and their desire to support her.”
Touted as a community hero by Lieberman, Swain has been the director of the Falmouth Service Center for 17 years.
As director, she has overseen the work of hundreds of volunteers operating the center’s services, such as the thrift shop and food pantry. After receiving the news of her diagnosis, she took medical leave in the summer.
The GoFundMe page for Swain was launched last month with the goal of raising $100,000. Since then, almost 500 donors have pledged over $55,000 to help Swain and her family. Donations of cards and flowers have also been given to Swain.
“Even though this is rooted in the terrible and disturbing news about Brenda’s illness, it’s a reflection of the fact that people are prepared to respond in a caring and loving manner,” Lieberman continued.
If you would like to donate to help Swain, visit the GoFundMe page by clicking here.s
About Brendan Fitzpatrick
