Staff Writer
Five-year-old Ashlynn Rose, the daughter of Erica Martin of Caribou is very busy these days — what with being a student in Miss Lockhart’s kindergarten class at Hilltop Elementary School and all. Being in school for the first time, leaving Mom behind, learning numbers, letters and rules can be a bit overwhelming but the petite young lady with the shy, but winning smile, makes out just fine, after all, she has already dealt with issues larger than those.
Kyle Thibodeau, manager of The Cubby, in Caribou, recently presented 5-year-old Ashlynn Rose and her mother Erica Martin with a $50 check in recognition of Ashlynn being selected as The Cubby’s February Hero of the Month. The monthly award, given by the shop’s owners Chris and Cindy Johnson is presented to a local family or individual (youth or adult) who is (or has been) living with a life threatening illness or has gone above and beyond in their efforts to assist others. Ashlynn was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006.
In 2006 Ashlynn was diagnosed with leukemia. Following chemotherapy treatments in Bangor, over a nine-month period, in January 2007, her illness was and remains in remission.
“Ashlynn went through her treatments and she did just fine,” said her mother. “She didn’t experience any of the severe side-effects and didn’t lose her hair. We go for check-ups every six months but she is doing fine.”
Recently Ashlynn was named The Cubby’s Hero of the Month for February. The Cubby, a thrift shop in Caribou, is owned by Chris and Cindy Johnson. The couple knows first-hand how difficult and costly it is for a family dealing with a child or other family member with a life-threatening illness. Caleb Johnson, the proprietors’ son, has an incurable illness and the Johnson family has received tremendous support from the community in many ways. In turn, the Johnsons now award a $50 check each month to their Cubby Hero, a family, or individual (or family/org) who is dealing with these issues, has proven their strength by overcoming an illness or who has gone out of their way to help and support someone else.
Ashlynn and her mother received The Cubby’s February Hero of the Month award and check from Kyle Thibodeau, store manager.
“We have already decided that we will donate the $50 to the Ronald McDonald House in Bangor, in thanks for all they did for us when Ashlynn was ill,” said Erica Martin. “I feel it is very important to give back so they can continue to help other families. We are so blessed that she is able to have everything she needs — we want to helps others in need,” she added.
“This is the third child with leukemia we have recognized in the past three months,” stated Cindy Johnson, owner of The Cubby in Caribou. “We encourage those seeking to find a cure to continue in their passionate efforts. Again, while we may not be able to solve all problems, we believe that as a community, we can make a difference.”
