COYLE & CASSIDY HIGH SCHOOL

     "Enter to Learn...Leave to Serve"

      2 Hamilton Street . Taunton, MA 02780 . Phone: 508-823-6164 . Fax: 508-823-2530

COYLE and CASSIDY is dedicating the Athletic Page to a wonderful young man, Richard "Dickie" Lennon.  He was inducted into the Warrior Hall of Fame in 2005 for contributions in football and baseball.  We were all heartbroken to learn that he died on March 28, 2007 after a battle with cancer, he was 31 years old.  The following is information about "The Friends of Kristan & Rich Foundation".  It was written just prior to his death.  All of his family and friends will miss him dearly and our prayers are with them!

In 2004, at the age of 29, Richard Lennon was diagnosed with Skin Cancer. Prior to that time, Rich had a mole examined by a doctor that was located on the back of his neck. The mole was removed and the doctor reported that it was nothing to worry about, leading Rich to believe that the mole was neither a symptom of disease nor a threat to his health. Much later a tumor emerged on his neck that was also removed and the mole that was originally extracted was re-evaluated. It was then that Rich received the diagnosis of Melanoma, the most serious of the skin cancer types. Rich eagerly attempted to improve his medical condition, and arranged for treatment.

For those of you who haven't had the opportunity to become acquainted with Rich, he can best be described as a gentleman. Always upbeat and active, Rich has taken an ethical approach to life, practicing the qualities of loyalty, patience, and kindness. In spite of his illness, Rich continued to live a productive fife. He managed to maintain his employment position, purchase a home, attend social events, and sustain his relationships. Most importantly on September 16 of 2006, in an enchanting outdoor ceremony, he entered into the rite of marriage with his beloved Kristan Martin, and officially became the stepfather of 10-year-old Ariana.

Over the last two years, Rich has undergone various methods of treatment both conventional and experimental. He has endured numerous surgeries, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, and Interferon Therapy to reduce the cancer cells and remove the tumors. Thus far, all of the treatments methods have been ineffective. While waiting to participate in a clinical trial for a drug intervention procedure, Rich is struggling with the associated symptoms of the illness As their friends we are eager to provide Kristan, Rich, and Ariana with the much needed assistance and support.

In an effort to relieve them of any additional stress we are looking to raise funds to help them with their finances during this difficult time. Our hope is that we can provide Kristan with the opportunity to reduce her work hours, allowing her to be available to spend some quality time with her husband. For the funds to serve this purpose we are looking to raise the money as quickly as possible. We are reaching out to many people and are looking to all of our own family and friends for assistance.