Funds to aid medical trip

Contributed photo AHERN FAMILY — Pictured are Rick, Harley and Krystal Ahern. The couple is also raising three boys: Chandler, Wyatt and Jordan.

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

 DEXTER — Krystal Ahern has her good days and bad days.

 “Humidity really bothers me,” said the Dexter woman. “Pressure changes kick up my allergies, so I’m not a big fan of thunderstorms, either.”

 Ahern, 31, has been living with mastocytosis — an uncommon disease characterized by increased numbers of mast cells in the body – since she was diagnosed with the ailment as a teenager.

 According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), mast cells are mainly involved in the allergic reaction in humans. Even casual contact with something like latex can halt her breathing.

 Despite her health problems, Ahern and husband, Rick, are both active in the Cub Scouts and the Dexter Fire Department. “I can’t go on fire calls because of the smoke,” she explained. “So I have to do more behind-the-scenes stuff like cooking at the station.”

 Although she’s on a strict diet and several medications, Ahern said her doctors — some as far away as Boston — “are running out of meds to prescribe for me.”

 But recently Ahern learned of an oncologist at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Lawrence Afrin, who is considered an expert in allergy-related illnesses. “This is a relatively new field of treatment,” she said. “If I can see him, the best part is that he’ll work with local doctors, so you don’t have to go back again.”

 The problem is getting there. Ahern can’t take commercial transportation and lengthy automobile trips are out of the question. “I have problems even going to Boston,” she noted.

 The only options are a LifeFlight non-emergency airline trip or a specialized chartered bus. The plane fare would be $37,000; and the bus trip, about half the cost. “Neither option is covered by insurance,” Ahern said.

 However, the community is stepping up to help. On Saturday, June 13, Dexter firefighters and auxiliary are hosting a benefit baked bean and hot dog supper and silent auction at the fire station from 5-7 p.m.

 Auxiliary President LeAnn Stocker and her husband, Rick, the assistant fire chief, are chairing the effort and hope for a huge turnout. “Donations are coming in every day for the silent auction,” said LeAnn Stocker. “We’ve got everything from Dunkin’ Donuts to gift certificates for local hair salons.”

 Stocker said that she and Ahern take walks frequently when the weather is decent. “She’s in really good spirits,” Stocker said. “She’s one tough young lady.”

  Ahern said that even though she’s close to the Stockers, “They’re really good about keeping secrets. Rick and Leann didn’t even tell me about the dinner until they were three weeks into it.”

 For those unable to make the dinner, donations may also be sent to Bangor Savings Bank, Ahern LifeFlight Account, P.O. Box 308, Dexter, Me. 04930.