Regular readers of GMG are aware that contributor and friend-to-all Fred Bodin was stricken with cancer that has damaged nerves and muscles, greatly impairing his ability to walk and function at home and in the Bodin Historic Photo gallery.He is now undergoing intensive physical and occupational therapy. In this video, Fred takes us into a therapy session, introduces us to members of his rehab support team and talks about his illness and his hopes. As you will see and hear, he has made dramatic progress and his attitude is nothing less than inspirational.
Many of you have generously contributed to the Friends of Fred Bodin Fund. Fred will thank each of you personally. In the meantime, bills continue to come in and we urge all readers to contribute what you can so that Fred’s business and home will be waiting for him when he is back on his feet.
Please send checks payable to Friends of Fred Bodin Fund c/o Marty Luster, 6 Castle View Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.
Thank you.
Marty Luster and Donna Ardizzoni
Good Morning Gloucester 
Looking good Fred
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Go Fred go!! We love you and miss you!!!
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Thanks James and Anna. Ill be back out there soon enough.
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Nice to “see” you Fred! Thanks for sharing–it’s inspirational and hopeful. Be well.
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My purpose in sharing is to show how I deal with a serious illness. There is always hope.
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Forgot Handsome Fred
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🙂
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Keep up the good work on that strength training!
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looking fabulous Fred… keep working hard…
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Feeling better too! Body strength, as Kathy said, is really important.
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So happy to see the progress you have made and how well you look. Marcia, RN at Beverly Hospital
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Every medical facility I’ve been in over the past four months has had one or two key people who have gone beyond to help me out. Marcia was one of them. Here at rehab in Den Mar, it’s Shelley and Jess in physical/occupational therapy. When I first tried the walker, and walked about 10 feet, they both told me they got goose bumps. Shelley confessed she almost cried. Dedicated healthcare professionals get a lot more from their jobs than a paycheck. I promised to visit Marcia in Beverly; and Shelley, Jess, and RN Rebecca in Rockport. “When hell comes for breakfast,” you want people like these at your side. Today the walker and I traveled 60 feet, and tomorrow I hope to go 100.
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Fred, you really are doing well getting around. You are so right that caring staff make all the difference. Thanks for sharing the video. It is reassuring to see you walking and narrating. And you are still your handsome self. 😀 😀
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I accomplished my goal of traveling 100 feet with the walker. At that point the measured distance markers ended, so tomorrow I’ll turn about face at 100 and add to it in the opposite direction.
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Hang in there, Fred. You can beat it !!!
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Fred you are looking much better and making great progress. Nice to see that your sense of humor is intact.
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Humor is key, both for me and the medical staff.
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My favorite post of the day 😉
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Thanks Mary. Sooner or later we’ll all have to deal with health issues, either our own or those of loved ones.
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Amen. It is a fact of life.
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Fred, I’m looking forward to visiting you at the gallery this summer.
You’re truly an inspiration and a prime example of courage.
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Wonderful – and inspiration. Keep up the good work, Fred.
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Fred you are looking great and making such wonderful progress. I have no doubt you and your real bicycle will be reunited and exploring Cape Ann again.
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It will be a personal victory for me to ride my bike.
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Fred, So glad to see you gaining your strength….Your in our thoughts and prayers…
Your friends at Parrelli……
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Jeanine was a Main Street merchant friend, and now a Railroad Avenue friend at Parrelli Optical. Thank for your excellent help and products.
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You are such an inspiration, Fred. I am so proud of you!
I am cooking up an idea to help…
Bobbie
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Cooking sound good. Thanks Bobbie!
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How do I reach you by email Marty? lilylady@comcast.net
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Hell yeah Fred, way to get at it man! Keep the work!!
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Way to go, Fred. We miss seeing you every time we walk past the gallery and can’t wait to party with you again. It looks like it won’t be long now!
Your friends and neighbors,
Theo and Jerry
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Danke!
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Who’s your buddy, who’s your pal. Great to see you working it. Xxoo
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Great attitude, Fred, and you’re looking well. I have no doubt that you’ll meet all of your goals successfully. Yes, “it takes a village…” but you have wonderful friends and staff to help you through this challenging time. God speed !
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Hi Fred, Thank you for sharing your daily therapy workout rituals with us. Your courage and determination is reflected in the great progress you are making. We miss you at the gallery – maybe you will install a brick oven for pizza when you come back! Best wishes, Diane & Maurice
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Way to go Fred! I am truly impressed by your progress! You said you were going to do it and you are doing it! We miss you here on Main Street and are keeping you in our prayers daily! Gotta say, Great Job! And thanks Marty for your great video!
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Hi Cuz, You are looking so good!!!!! I have been keeping tabs on you through the grapevine all the way down here in Maryland. Please know it goes without saying that my prayers and thoughts are always with you. Let me know when you are ready for visitors or would like to come down Maryland way for a get-away, you will be up and cursing in no time! Love you, Jennifer
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