Al
Terry
Al and Terry were photographed in the summer of 2020 with their dogs in their backyard. “That portrait was bittersweet because that was the day we had to put our dog Maynard down. We cherish that photo,” said Terry. Al and Terry have been together for 31 years and both retired before the pandemic. When I asked about their experience during the pandemic, they said: “We were basically stuck in the house, yet it wasn't a negative experience. We just sort of rediscovered each other and we enjoyed each other's company, so we didn't feel at a loss. It just confirmed the bond we have as husbands and as friends.”
A couple of years ago, Terry was diagnosed with stage four bladder cancer and has responded very well to the treatment. Al has been diagnosed with a heart condition, called cardiac amyloidosis and is part of a trial study at the Cleveland Clinic. “He goes once a month for an infusion of a drug, which just got approved by the FDA and is very expensive ($405,000 per injection). Of course, insurance companies are fighting this expensive treatment, so most patients can't get the benefit. We just deal with it right now. We’re trying to support each other and we're both doing okay. We still go day by day, but we haven't cut back much on activities or anything,” Terry said.
Al and Terry volunteer for a group called Stage4, a ministry of St. Luke’s Anglican Church which provides comfort bags for cancer patients in the Akron and Medina areas. “The bags are filled with things a patient could use, especially during treatment,” Terry said. “Blankets, a journal, water bottle, puzzle books, stress balls for neuropathy, and more. We write a little note that goes in each bag.”
With volunteer work being a passion for Al and Terry, they are still continuing their work with other organizations. Terry has been volunteering at Goodwill. Al reads to the blind and is part of the a ukulele quartet. “We have a ukulele, harmonica, and bass guitar and sing. We perform at independent living, assisted living and memory care units. It's such a good feeling performing for these people.” Al said.
Al and Terry shared a few closing thoughts about the past four years for them. “For us, a sad part of the pandemic was that a lot of our favorite places never came back to their full selves. Something as simple as our little Chinese restaurant is now strictly takeout. The pandemic destroyed a lot of small businesses. We try to support the little guys, but many didn’t survive. On the other hand, we did (and still do) enjoy just sitting outside at home. It’s very peaceful and relaxing in the nice weather and we love our home.”
