Tears, goosebumps fill NewsNow office

Reaction to the story of Ida Guarascia in last week’s edition of NewsNow was long, emotional and steady.

The Beamsville women who had extensive surgery, more than 24 hours, to remove cancer from her face, has months of physical healing ahead before procedures for facial prosthetics can begin.

Neither Ida, nor her husband Randy who has a degenerative back ailment, can work.

Waves of calls, visits and emails flowed in with inquiries about how readers might help.

“I worked with Shan Gibson at Meridian Credit Union in Beamsville to figure out how best to set something up for Ida and an account has been opened there. For anyone who has contacted us, we will call or email back with details, now that we have them, but anyone else who would like to help certainly can give our office a call. Everyone in the office has the information and will be prepared to provide it to callers,” said NewsNow publisher Mike Williscraft.

A couple of fundraisers are in the works for the couple –– Beamsville Sobeys manager Nikki Unrau called to say her team will run a BBQ this Saturday (July 19) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and a host of people in Smithville and area are looking into a dance at Smithville’s Legion Branch 393.

“These events, along with community donations will help the couple with immediate, short-term needs,” said
Williscraft, who noted he got a call Friday afternoon which was very special.

“A man I will identify as Eric called to see how he could help. After chatting for a few minutes he says, ““Well, how would it be if, when she gets the prosthetics completed, just send me the bill?”

“Flabbergasted is the word that comes to mind.”

Williscraft broke this news to Ida and Randy Monday morning as they were away visiting family over the weekend.

“I’ve got goosebumps,” Randy said, while Ida was speechless..

When they heard of the generosity, stories and comments made over the week they were extremely grateful.

Since that time, they have communicated with Eric, who also offered the couple a trip to Mexico when her healing process has stabilized, and they plan to meet their “angel” as dubbed by Ida.

An account has now been set up, so anyone wishing to help can call NewsNow at 289-235-9500 for details.