This year, Marshall Woodside and his family discovered the importance of connections and the power of community support.
Earlier this year, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. His treatment journey led him and his mother, Carrie, to Quincy Medical Group (QMG) and the QMG Infusion Center. Here, they found more than medical care; they discovered a close-knit team who would become an integral part of their support system.
One of his care team members was Carey Britt, a registered nurse with the QMG Infusion Center, who recalled, “When Marshall came to us for his first infusion he was extremely nervous. With lots of encouragement, some Dr. Pepper, a cookie, and several hot laps around the infusion center his anxiety lessened. In the process of him completing his infusion we had learned a great deal about him. He loves bowling (and has his own bowling ball), Dr. Pepper, ice cream, and his favorite TV show is ‘The Young and The Restless.’”
As treatment continued, Marshall not only had the support of his medical team, he also found the support of his community. Several months ago, Rhea Flambeau, a family member who owns and operates Blue Line Pressure Washing out of Carthage, IL, contacted the Woodside family and asked about doing a t-shirt and sweatshirt fundraiser to bring awareness to MS. He wanted the donations to go to a place of family’s choosing. The Woodside chose the QMG Foundation.
The fundraiser raised $500 and was matched by an anonymous donor to raise a total of $1,000 which will help alleviate the financial burdens faced by patients. The Woodside family wanted to give back to QMG as a way to help others.
Among those purchasing shirts was the QMG Infusion Center team. Britt said the team was honored to have cared for Marshall.
She shared, “Our Infusion Team is blessed to have the opportunity to care for him and his family.”