Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We are reaching out today, asking you to help one of our members, Barry Norton. Barry has been a member of the Boston Carmen’s Union for 13 years.

On July 12, Barry’s 23 year-old son was tragically diagnosed with leukemia. Barry and his family have been doing everything they can to fight, but recently they learned that his son is now in need of a bone marrow transplant.

Please consider supporting Barry and his family by joining the Bone Marrow Registry at Be the Match, a non-profit organization that has been recommended by Mass General Hospital. It’s easy to find out if you are a match – sign up on their website and they will mail you a free kit (for adults ages 18-44) that includes a cheek swab kit. You take a simple swab of your cheek, send it back, and they will contact you if you are a match.

You can also support them by joining their team for the Light the Night Walk benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on October 19 (Team: The Joe-Son Ones).

Please see the note from Barry below.

There is a ripple effect when someone you love must overcome a cancer diagnosis. You begin to view the world through an entirely different lens. Time becomes the before and after. You become resolute; wanting to don your armor and join the battle with whatever strengths you possess.

Indeed, “No One Fights Alone” my orange bracelet reminds me. And while most turn to prayer, positivity, and unyielding hope, you also can dive purposefully into the practical aspects of the fight. Because while ribbons, months and colors bring awareness, we need not stop there.

September was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Blood Cancer Awareness Month. I urge you to consider this an “active” awareness of these cancers and not just a special ribbon on social media. It becomes active when you choose, because only you can, to do something in honor of those who are affected. Donate blood, make a contribution to a reliable organization, participate in a charitable event, bring a meal to a family affected…and so much more.

Today, I ask you to strongly consider becoming a member of the bone marrow registry. It is a free simple kit for which you can, in the comfort of your own home, provide a cheek swab. Once returned, you are active until you are 61. You are actively able to save a life!

My son has been diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and is in need of a life saving bone marrow transplant. Because of him, I am once again reminded that there is no excuse for anyone to fight alone. Please, join the fight for the countless others who have NO choice but to bear the battle scars. Be another ripple…because however small it may feel to you, you supplement the waves of armies for so many others who will be forever grateful.

Thank You!
Barry R. Norton

ATU members have always supported our fellow members workers in need before and now it’s time we show our support for Barry, his son, and their family.

In solidarity,

Larry Hanley
International President
Amalgamated Transit Union