THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 1, 2025 Page 3 Helping a Cancer Patient A Saugus mom gets a hug, hope and help from three-time Super Bowl Champion and cancer survivor Joe Andruzzi By Mark E. Vogler S heena LaMarra knew she would be receiving a visit Tuesday morning from people who might be able to help her as she recovers from cancer surgery while struggling to pay household bills and take care of her two children, who share an apartment with her on Denver Street. The past two years have been challenging ones for LaMarra, 36, who completed five months of chemotherapy, underwent a double mastectomy and endured a month of daily radiation that ended last October. She had to stop working last year after being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. She was visibly surprised when New England Patriots three-time Super Bowl Champion offensive guard Joe Andruzzi – a cancer survivor who spends his time trying to help cancer patients and their families deal with financial problems – knocked on her door and led her to the street, where an entourage of people sympathetic to her situation had gathered. First, she learned she would be receiving a $3,000 grant from the newly created Lombardo Legacy Fund to pay household expenses. Andruzzi surprised LaMarra some more when he handed her a poster marked “RENT PAID THROUGH DECEMBER 2025.” “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude,” LaMarra told the group as she was joined by her 19-year-old son, Jaden, who is headed to Curry College in the fall, and her nine-year-old daughter Savannah, who will be in the fourth grade. “I didn’t expect any of this,” LaMarra said. “I feel good. This was a great positive,” she said. Tuesday was a hot, humid and uncomfortable summer day in Saugus. But LaMarra found comfort, warmth and kindness from two area families affected by cancer’s tragic toll who gathered to extend their support. She was the first recipient of a grant from the Lombar50 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 HOLDING THE CEREMONIAL GIANT CHECK: Former New England Patriots player Joe Andruzzi (right), a cancer survivor, joins Sheena LaMarra and her family in displaying the $3,000 grant for household expenses from the Lombardo Legacy Fund. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) do Legacy Fund, which honors late GlideFast Consulting Founder and Everett native Michael Lombardo, who died a year ago. Lombardo was also a former board member with the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF). Andruzzi’s football career ended abruptly in 2007 after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Burkitt’s lymphoma. Andruzzi was declared disease-free less than a year later. Soon after, he and his wife Jen decided to dedicate their lives to helping cancer patients and their families face the financial hardships of fighting cancer. JAF helps New Englanders facing cancer diagnoses through a variety of grants, including Financial Assistance, Extraordinary Needs, Food Security Assistance, Treatment Transportation Assistance and additional resources. Since its start in 2008, the Foundation HELPING | SEE PAGE 18 WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THREE-TIME SUPER BOWL CHAMP: Sheena LaMarra’s nine-year-old daughter Savannah holds a special football inscribed with an autograph and message from former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! Sunday Monday Tuesday PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-5 P.M. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Closed 7:30 - 11 P.M. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $11.00 Price includes Roller Skates Private Parties 11 - 3 P.M. 12 - 5 P.M. 8:30 - 11 P.M. 12 - 9 P.M. $10.00 $10.00 $11.00 Adult Night - 18+ Only $10.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com 18+ Adults Only - ID Required
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