Kyle Noonan and his fiancée took a leap of faith at the start of 2018, placing a deposit on a western trip to study holistic approaches to taming his leukemia.
“We were assuming we could raise the money–and we did it!” Noonan said on Thursday, a day after friends threw a benefit dinner that put the couple over the top.
An online drive had brought Noonan close to their $15,000 goal. Wednesday’s $50-per-person dinner hosted by the Morristown Knights of Columbus netted $5,000 for the cause, said Mary Dougherty, who organized the event with her son, Ryan Dougherty.
“It was really inspiring to see everyone come together like this… The support has been unbelievable,” said Noonan, 32, a former star pitcher for Morristown High School (’04).
In April, Noonan is scheduled to spend two weeks studying with practitioners from the Gerson Institute in Sedona, AZ. The institute emphasizes alternative methods intended to tap the body’s natural healing ability.
Slideshow photos courtesy of Mary Dougherty:
Since his diagnosis in 2009, the Morristown resident has undergone extensive medical treatments, including two bone marrow transplants. He has gone in and out of remission four times.
Feeling healthy now, Noonan said his goal is to make his body “inhospitable to the disease.”
He expressed gratitude to the Doughertys, the K of C, and everyone who pitched in.
The dinner received support from Guerriero’s Ristorante, South+Pine American Eatery, the Godfather of Morristown and Revolution. The Knights of Columbus also reached out to members online.
Noonan and Gina D’Amico plan to wed in Rhode Island in August.
It was a great event. Glad Jay and I were able to help support Kyle. Hoping this treatment will bring him back to 100% good health!