No Christmas until Chrissy comes home

Barryville cancer victim buoyed by community support

By SANDY LONG

BARRYVILLE, NY — Charley Bertolino displays a family photo taken with her mother and father, Chrissy and Sal Bertolino, snapped before Chrissy was diagnosed with liver cancer. Chrissy underwent 12 hours of surgery at Albert Einstein Medical Center on December 17 and will begin chemotherapy after the holidays.

A community dinner was held last weekend at the Yulan Firehouse in Yulan to raise funds to help the family cover the many expenses it now faces. Town resident Rose Paolini has also begun collecting donations of items and services for a raffle to be held on January 17. Paolini has organized many such “Lend A Hand” raffles in the past, and said she is confident that the community will come through again.

“If we all chip in, it makes a big difference,” said Paolini, who is willing to pick up contributed items. To donate or to purchase tickets call 845/557-6192.

Pat Friedrich, Chrissy’s mother, described the show of community concern as “absolutely incredible.” A longtime community volunteer, Friedrich is not accustomed to being on the receiving end of such support. “It was so humbling, mind-boggling really,” she said. “We’re just so grateful for everything that everyone did.”

As for Charley, all she wants for Christmas is for her mom to make it home. “She’s decided not to open her presents until Chrissy gets here,” said Pat. Contributions can still be made by check, payable to Yulan Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, noting “Christina Bertolino Fund” on the memo line, and mailed to the Yulan Fire Department, PO Box 33, Yulan, NY 12792.