Tremendous Gratitude to Jolly John’s ‘Keep You Truckin’ Foundation

Jolly John’s is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was started in memory of John Bellavance. Their goal is to provide financial relief to cancer patients, as well as their​ families, bringing help and hope. They help pay their bills to lighten the load and reduce stress. That way, patients concentrate on what’s most important, getting better.

ECHO was privileged to care for John. We also were fortunate to be asked to share some remarks at a recent fundraiser. Below is a heartfelt speech from Christie Beausoleil, Assistant Practice Administrator for ECHO.

Good evening my name is Christie Beausoleil. Thank you for having me tonight as your guest speaker. I hope that I’m able to get through this without shedding a tear.

Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology is committed to the care and improvement of human life. In recognition of this commitment, we strive to provide high-quality healthcare in the communities we serve. I had a great opportunity and pleasure to meet and care for John. John would walk in with a smile on his face saying, “let’s do this, get me fixed up!”

For me, my position at Echo is not just a job, it’s my passion, it’s my family, my heart. Being able to help at least one patient a day makes it all worth it. Yes, there are absolutely sad times, difficult times to say the least. But my peers, my coworkers, our patients – they’re all my family. I will walk their journey with them. I will guide and help them navigate through the rocky road and jump over hurdles with them.

And then there comes the financial assistance – this is where Jolly John’s has played such a tremendous role. This foundation has helped so many of our patients. The thought of a cancer diagnosis and having to go through chemotherapy is tough, it is a hard pill to swallow. Then, add to your worries the financial stress. With the assistance from Jolly John’s Keep You Trucking Foundation, they have been able to assist so many patients.

With help and assistance through Jolly John’s, patients can worry less about the financial burden that this cancer diagnosis may bring, and focus more on their health and well-being and the time spent with their loved ones.
I feel like my emails to Donna at the Foundation are always welcomed. It is so rewarding to be able to reach out to our patients and give them good news. “It’s OK, don’t worry – the Jolly John’s Foundation is going to assist you.” You can hear the sigh of relief that they give when they hear the news that they’ve just been approved or awarded funds to help them out financially.

Jolly John’s has been a huge resource for us and our patients. Jolly John’s has assisted our patients in many different ways – financially, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Jolly John’s has helped many of our patients rest a little easier knowing that their electricity bill will be covered, they will get oil in their furnace, they may get their rent or mortgage covered for a month or two, assistance with car insurance or car payment, and help at Christmas time. Just last week I was able to reach out to three of our patients and let them know that their medical bills were taken care of, three months of rent covered, and their car insurance was paid. This is more than just financial assistance. It helps patients and their families rest a little easier through an extremely difficult time. With their financial burdens lessened, patients can focus on their health and well-being and spend time with their loved ones.

For me, having the opportunity and great pleasure to reach out to one of the resources at Jolly John’s and knowing they are there to help our patients through this journey makes my heart happy. This is why I get up each day and do what I do. We are blessed with amazing “behind the scenes” people that will help support what we do in oncology. At ECHO, you help us get people “fixed up,” as John would say!