Croker's fight against rare disease inspires fundraising effort

By Tim Forsberg
Posted 10/27/16

When the Beacon last spoke with Barbara Lyons Croker a year and a half ago, she had undergone 43 surgeries during the last 15 years in her fight against Dercum's disease, an extremely rare and debilitating disorder in which fluid and

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Croker's fight against rare disease inspires fundraising effort

Posted

When the Beacon last spoke with Barbara Lyons Croker a year and a half ago, she had undergone 43 surgeries during the last 15 years in her fight against Dercum's disease, an extremely rare and debilitating disorder in which fluid and fatty tumor deposits build up and damage nerves, affecting the entire body.

Now, she's passed 50 procedures and has more on the way.

"I have good days and bad days. I was diagnosed in March with T-cell lymphoma," said Croker. "I'm going to Arizona on the 26th for more surgery to remove more tumors. So it's taking things one day at a time."

It's estimated that there are only two or three Rhode Islanders that have the condition, and there's only one researcher, Dr. Karen Herbst of the University of Arizona, who is currently studying the disease. There is currently no cure.

Last Saturday, to help support Croker and raise awareness of the condition along with funds for research and treatment, a guest bartender fundraising party that drew throngs of supporters was held at Tavern 12 in Warwick. Croker’s friends, family and staff bartenders donated all tips and raffles were held as partygoers dined on food donated by the restaurant.

It's the sixth such event the establishment has held in honor of Croker's fight, raising $3,500 for Croker's battle.

"You never know what tomorrow will bring, but it's awesome to have friends like these," she said.

Additional information on the Rhode Island Dercum's Research fund may be found at www.facebook.com/pages/RI-Dercums-Research-Fund-Inc/110193649156.

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