Dick Clifford is preparing for the third annual Memorial Jamboree at the Brockport Elks Lodge to honor his wife Linda who passed away three years ago from throat cancer.
April 29, 2016 Linda passed away, taking a piece of her husband’s heart with her. Linda was a high-spirited, loving woman who touched many lives in the local community. Linda first became ill in the fall of 2015 and was diagnosed with throat cancer.
Linda underwent treatment at the Wilmot Cancer Center under the care of Dr. Matthew Miller. The staff at Wilmot treated Linda like a queen and Dick like a king. “Everyone from the receptionist, coordinator, nurses and doctors, all the way up to the chief of staff, were absolutely amazing. They made a horrible time much more bearable,” Dick said.
Although the aggressive cancer took Linda’s life, Dick is passionate about keeping her legacy alive by giving back to the Wilmot Cancer Center in the hopes of helping others suffering from cancer. The couple regularly went out to enjoy music and have a good time, so after Linda’s death, Dick had the idea of holding a Jamboree in Linda’s memory.
The first Memorial Jamboree took place in May 2016 and was successful in raising money for local cancer research. Dick was grateful for the community’s support and was especially appreciative of having the opportunity to celebrate Linda’s life with those in the community.
Due to the success in raising money for Wilmot Cancer Center and the opportunity to cherish Linda’s life, Dick is holding the third Memorial Jamboree on May 5.
Dick attended a special reception for donors held by the Wilmot Cancer Center. He learned that the $10,000 that he donates each year from all proceeds of the jamboree is nearly quadrupled in research grants used locally at the Wilmot Cancer Center. “Even though we are little people we are making a difference,” Dick said.
This year’s jamboree is billed as “The Show of All the Shows.” It is Sunday, May 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Brockport Elks Lodge, 4400 Sweden Walker Road. There will be live entertainment from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Buckle Up country music band kicks off the entertainment, followed by Boone’s Farm Band at 1 p.m. Feature performer Terry Buchwald presents his “Tribute to the King” from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. “A” Blues Band will close the evening. Happy the Clown will entertain attendees of all ages from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be food and drinks available, a Chinese raffle and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $15 for ages 12 and up; free admission for children under 12, police officers, veterans, firefighters and guards.
For more information, see the ad on page 2 of this week’s Suburban News and Hamlin-Clarkson Herald or contact Dick Clifford at 637-3807 or 732-4023. All proceeds benefit Wilmot Cancer Institute.
