Patrick McGuire of Parchment is one of two beneficiaries for the 2019 Hooley for Healing. Our second beneficiary this year has chosen to remain anonymous.

McGuire, 63, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in May of 2017 and had a section of his bowel removed. He also underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatments and was cancer free as of his most recent scan in January of 2019.

Though currently cancer free, McGuire still is dealing with an infection from back surgery he had in response to neuropathy, a common side effect after radiation treatments.

A former employee of Kalamazoo Community Mental Health, McGuire said he is honored and fortunate to be a recipient.

“Right off the bat, it’ll help me catch up on some past bills,” he said. “I’m very appreciative of people’s willingness to donate and make it possible for me to be a recipient.”

McGuire said he is planning on attending the Hooley and that it will be his first time at the event.