Ronzoni for Rene

OXFORD - About four years ago Rene Forcier, a former volunteer firefighter at Riverside Fire Company currently residing in Dunbarton, N.H., began having problems with his digestive system.

On seeking medical help, he was advised to have a colonoscopy, which he agreed to do.

In the process, doctors discovered a tumor in his intestines that was so large they couldn't complete the procedure.

Because the tumor was malignant, doctors ordered a regimen of chemotherapy treatments and for a brief period of time, Mr. Forcier appeared to be responding.

However, he soon relapsed as the cancer metastasized to other organs, including his liver.

In June, Mr. Forcier, who is a police officer and the first selectman in Dunbarton, was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital where he underwent a radical, 15-hour surgery to remove the tumors that had developed in his liver, diaphragm and intestines. Portions of various organs were removed.

His cousin, Debbie Greco, who lives in Canton, said there was no way he could survive without the surgery, so even though it was a complicated procedure, he opted to take the risk.

Unfortunately, he failed to recover as hoped. Subsequent to the surgery, he suffered multiple complications, including infections, and within eight weeks, four or five new tumors had developed.

As of last week, Mr. Forcier, who is only 48 and has a wife and two young children, was in the care of Hospice.

According to Mrs. Greco last Wednesday, he was comfortable and communicating with his family, but, outside of a miracle, there is no hope for his recovery.

The tragedy is not the first endured by the Forcier family.

Rene's father, also named Rene, but more popularly known as Ray Forcier, and his wife, Doris, who live on Bowers Hill, also have a 46-year-old son Fred, who has terminal throat and lung cancer. Fred is receiving Hospice care at a nursing home.

Ray is a local school bus driver, currently on leave from work, and Doris is a retired school bus driver.

Four years ago, the couple's daughter, Cheryl, was killed when her vehicle struck a tree on Quaker Farms Road. Cheryl left a four-year old daughter, Rachel, who now is being raised by Cheryl's husband and Ray and Doris.

The couple has two other grown children, Danny of Oxford and Kevin, who lives in New York.

Mrs. Greco, who spent a lot of time with her cousins growing up, described Rene as "a fun-loving, family-oriented, caring and compassionate person who has always gone out of his way to help others. There is no one more genuine and sincere," she said.

Mrs. Greco said Rene had a passion for scouting, served as a troop leader and was an Eagle Scout. In addition to serving as a volunteer firefighter at Riverside Company, he also volunteered in Southbury.

Mrs. Greco now is seeking to assist Rene's family in meeting its financial obligations. Toward that end, she has organized a pasta dinner, "Ronzoni for Rene," at 5 p.m. Saturday, November 22, at the Colonial Tavern. A second seating is scheduled at 7 p.m.

The event is a family-friendly event that welcomes children. In addition to dinner, there will be a cash bar, jazz band, card-making, balloons and face painting for children. A 50/50 raffle and silent auction are planned.

The event is sponsored by the CUREchief Foundation, a volunteer organization that makes head coverings for cancer patients.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under age 12.

Those who wish to purchase tickets or donate an item to the auction, may call Mrs. Greco at 860-888-9709 or e-mail bigsister06019@yahoo.

Persons also may call Therese Kennett at 203-888-9809 or e-mail kennett18@comcast.net for tickets or purchase them at the Southford Store, 1514 Southford Road and The Lake House, 337 Roosevelt Drive.

All proceeds will be donated to the Rene Forcier family.