Town rallies behind family of transplant recipient

Ever since community members heard York High School senior Jason Durkin required a bone marrow transplant after being diagnosed with aplastic anemia, they have rallied behind him.

Hundreds turned out to a local bone marrow drive in January, while students from his class donated the proceeds from a school dance to pay for some who wanted to register at the drive.

"Everybody has done everything that they possibly can," Mike Durkin, Jason's father, said Sunday. "I don't think the community support could be any better."

Jason received his transplant on March 30 from a donor who lives in Europe.

Yet, as Jason was transferred this weekend from Children's Hospital of Boston to the Ronald McDonald House for an expected stay of 10 days to two weeks, community members once again are rallying.

York resident Dwyer Vessey, who is the wife of Mike Vessey, Jason's high school hockey coach, has been heading the "Durkin Family May Basket."

Armed with a four-page "wish" list, Vessey and other volunteers, such as parent Jean Quinn, have been pulling together gift certificates from area businesses and individuals for the Durkin family to use during Jason's recovery.

It is expected Jason will be on social restrictions — or limited contact with people — for six to nine months. During that time, community members would like to provide a few extras for the family — from a few nights out to specials on dining in.

The plan is to present the basket the first week of May — with gift certificates and gift cards for lawn mowing, take-out food, cooking and the like.

"People just want to do what they can," Quinn said. "They want to help in any way they are able."

Vessey has set up the drive, which is accessible through her own e-mail or through a Web site that allows friends and family to monitor Jason's progress.

"People have gone above and beyond for us," Durkin said. "And fortunately we've been able to keep working."

Durkin and his wife, Sharon, have each taken turns working a different half of the week and staying in York with their other two children, Chris and Lauren, while the other parent stays with Jason.

"Now there's really nothing people can do," he said. "Continued prayers would be great."

But many want to do even more — as evidenced by the growing May Day basket.