In Times of Need: Family, friends give hope with fundraiser as Scott Twp. woman battles cancer
May 10—Who: Not only does Anne Marie Virbitsky Thomas come from a big family, but she's also big on family.
The 61-year-old Scott Twp. resident is one of Jean and Michael Virbitsky's 13 children. She married Bob Thomas and has three sons, David Leschak and wife, Jennifer; Christopher Leschak and wife, Virginia; and Robby Thomas. She also has four grandchildren, Shepherd, Ledger, Raelyn and Eli, who are her whole world, her niece Teresa Virbitsky said. The Lakeland Junior-Senior High School and Penn State University alumna is a wonderful aunt, too, and loves to have the family all together around her pool. When she's not spending time with loved ones, you can find her enjoying the warm weather, gardening or being with her Rottweiler, Daisy.
She's a strong, determined and kind-hearted person in general who would do anything for anyone, Virbitsky said.
What: In March 2022, on Thomas' 60th birthday, she was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer, and underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Thomas remained positive and hopeful. Coincidentally during this time, her younger brother, Billy, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and Thomas wanted to stay strong for him.
Then, in December 2022, Thomas went to the doctor for muscle pain and was diagnosed with a rare form of stage IV internal melanoma.
She developed tumors in her muscles, through her lungs and liver, and began oral chemotherapy treatment, which appeared to be working, her niece said. Last month, however, Thomas began to show neurological issues and was diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease, which is a form of cancer that travels to the cerebrospinal fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
After radiation treatment, a PET scan showed only a couple of small lesions in Thomas' liver and neck muscle, Virbitsky said. Thomas takes daily oral treatment. She should be on combo immunotherapy, however, one of the two treatment drugs is not approved by her insurance yet, her niece explained.
Why: Thomas still has many tests and battles ahead as she and her medical team are figuring out the best attack. Daily life is also different. Thomas cannot get around or perform everyday tasks on her own right now. Thankfully, her husband has not left her side, Virbitsky said, and her family is rallying around her to keep her spirits up and provide all the love and care she needs.
How: Monetary donations can be made to Thomas at any Honesdale National Bank location. A GoFundMe campaign, "Anne Virbitsky Thomas's medical bills," also has been launched.
A benefit for Thomas, "Anne's Hope," will take place on Sunday, June 11, from noon to 5 p.m., at the Scott Twp. Firehall, 1027 Montdale Road. A chicken barbecue dinner will be held, and there will be a beer tent provided by Iron Hart Brewery. There also will be a gun raffle, 50/50 and a tiered basket raffle. Tickets for the dinner cost $15.
Organizers are seeking donations for the event, including monetary donations, baskets, gift cards and cases of water. To donate or for questions, call Virbitsky at 570-351-5748 or Jamie Stracham at 570-299-0098. Tickets to the event can be purchased by friends and family of Thomas, or at Jermyn Supply, 220 Jerome Drive.
Proceeds from the benefit will help support Thomas and her family from all the financial stress her medical journey has caused.
In her own words: "Any support or donations would help relieve some financial stress and mean the world to Anne and her family. They will allow them to provide better care and support for Anne during this difficult time." — Teresa Virbitsky, niece of Anne Marie Virbitsky Thomas
Contact the writer: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT on Twitter
