Friends of Cancer Victim Joff Rolland Coming Together to Host Fundraiser
By Julie Perine on August 13, 2017 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
The friends and family of Joff Rolland are coming together to host a benefit in his honor. A 1977 graduate of Bridgeport High School and current Bridgeport resident, Rolland was diagnosed in late-June with 4A Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the throat and has been undergoing both chemotherapy and radiation for the past several weeks.
A fundraising event will be held 6-8 p.m. Aug. 31 at Brickside Bar and Grille.
Event Organizers said Rolland does not have medical insurance and cannot work during his 40 radiation and eight chemo treatments.
“We have not put a dollar amount that we are trying to hit,” said Event Co-Organizer Lisa Waugh. “We’re hoping for around $10,000.”
Tickets sell for $10 each. Upon admission to the event, individuals can order food and drinks from Brickside’s menu; 10 percent of food sales contributing to the event. Purchase of the $10 ticket enables individuals to be entered into a drawing for a cash prize.
“The prize, of course, depends on the amount of tickets sold,” Waugh said. “It should be between $300 and $500.”
Attendees can also purchase tickets to win various theme baskets, as well as 50/50 tickets and participate in a silent auction.
Entertainment – a blend of light rock, 1970s and ‘80s and some newer tunes - will be provided by Jule Carenbauer, longtime friend of Rolland’s.
“I’ll be playing acoustic guitar and harmonica and singing,” said Carenbauer, who plays with AMICI and has been a regular at the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival.
He and Rolland met in the 1990s during open mic at PJ Kelly’s.
“(Rolland) is a big Pink Floyd and Eagles fan and played and sang them on open mic. He also sings harmony,” Carenbauer said. “There are those certain people that you hit it off with right away – and Joff was one of them. He’s easy going, would help anyone in a second. We formed a friendship that has lasted, even with not seeing each other for years. When we talk, it’s like we never missed a beat. He has a great wife and kids and is just one of those people you are glad you have in your life.”
Rolland said he is looking at his journey with cancer as an opportunity for ministry and a way to share his faith.
“I am not the least bit afraid to die, although I’d rather not do it any time soon,” he said. “… I globally appreciate your prayers and your friendships. Thank you all for who you are and have been in my life.”
He was told by doctors at the time of his diagnosis that his cancer was curable. He has a very positive outlook and is grateful his condition was diagnosed and that treatment is ongoing. He also hopes through his journey to somehow uplift others and encourage them to be proactive with their own health and bodies, always looking for signs that something isn’t quite right.
Rolland was at a routine doctor visit for a blood pressure medicine refill when he mentioned that he had experienced some discomfort on the left side of his throat.
“I say it this way, because it certainly was not pain, but something that didn’t feel good and wasn’t right,” he said.
After trying preliminary treatments which included antibiotics and a steroid, the discomfort still existed and he was referred to a specialist.
“I went to West Virginia University and saw the most amazing ears, nose and throat doctor,” he said. “She ultimately took a tissue sample for biopsy.”
It took a few different biopsies before the squamous cell carcinoma was discovered.
“By doing a CT scan with contrast, they were able to discern that it was about 60 centimeters long and also involved lymph nodes on both sides of my neck,” Rolland said. “Since this type of cancer spreads downward if it spreads, a PET scan revealed that the total involvement was in my neck.”
He takes chemotherapy each Thursday and radiation treatments Monday through Friday.
Rolland works as an electronics engineering technician at MSES Consultants and as an electronics technician at WV Paging. He's also a craftsman, always working with materials such as metal and aluminum to create designs, many times spiritual in nature. He and his wife Robin life in Bridgeport.
