To the editor:

Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Tracy Anthony and the Clements’ Marketplace family, the Beachcomber Restaurant, the Portsmouth Business Association and the local community, along with our many friends and family members who have come forward in a show of support for our daughter, Mary Tobin.

Mary is a recent graduate of Salve Regina University and was continuing her education at the University of Rhode Island in the field of biomedical research, while working part-time at both Clements’ Marketplace and Portsmouth CVS.

In late August, Mary was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma - a rare, very aggressive form of cancer that affects three in one million people, primarily children and young adults.

Mary has always been a very reserved young lady who has worked hard to pursue her dreams.  Her goals, in addition to earning her graduate degree, were to quickly pay off her car and student loan debt and find employment in the field of forensics or biomedical research.

No new graduate just starting out in life expects to receive a diagnosis of cancer at such a young age, but Mary faced this challenge the way she has always faced life.

When told of her diagnosis she said, “Well, I've got to do what I have to do.” She then simply got up the next morning and went to work. That’s the kind of strong person Mary is. Treatment for Ewing's is long and difficult but it is wonderful to have so many people rooting for her while she fights this battle.

Words cannot express the appreciation we feel for the outpouring of love, prayers, and gestures of kindness that have been shown to our family during this difficult time. May God bless you all.

Sincerely,

William and Ann Tobin

Tiverton