By Melissa Spiotta
Once again, a Morristown Diner employee needs the public’s help.
Last August, one of the diner’s young waitresses, Jessica Hutchings, found out she had breast cancer. The community rallied around her, raising over $16,000 to help her support her three young children.
Luckily, she finished her chemotherapy about a month and is doing really well.
Then, about a month ago, there was more devastating news. A longtime server, Francisco Reyes, found out he has Stage 3 colon cancer.
To help support him, diner owner Peter Rotsides started an online fund drive. So far, more than $7,000 has been raised, toward a goal of $15,000.
“Everyone loves Franco,” said diner waitress Barbra Einterz. “We want to help him through his treatment…he could really use the support because working is so hard.”
Franco, as he is known by customers, is a 39-year-old immigrant from Mexico. He has had one surgery, and is about to undergo radiation and chemotherapy to shrink his tumor before a second operation. He has no family here to help him, according to his GoFundMe page.
“He will not be working during this time and we are trying to raise money for his bills and any medical expenses he will have,” the page says.
“We do not want him to worry about anything other then focusing on his health. This will be a long six- to eight months that will take a toll on Franco physically and mentally. But with all the love, support, and prayers, he will be strong enough to fight this battle!”
Melissa Spiotta is founder of the Morristown Helps and I Love Morristown Facebook groups, co-founder of FLAG of Morristown/Township, and president of the Morris School District board of education.
