Barb’s Story
“Barb is remarkable because after losing her son, Joseph Michael, to cancer at the very young age of 21 in March 2012, she founded the Joseph Michael Chubbuck Cancer Foundation in his honor that raises money awarded to local cancer patients in need. The Foundation provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families – provides needed equipment to hospitals, Hospices, and treatment centers – supports cancer research – and advocates for patients/families in need of information and guidance, in Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties. The Chubbuck family and their team has become a permanent fixture each year at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Rome. Throughout the year they are actively involved in other fund-raising endeavors to support patients and cancer research that include the CNY Wing Wars and local mystery dinner theater events at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro. Barb is outstanding because she had the courage and strength to take her grief and loss and transform it into a platform that provides hope and support for those facing the hardships and challenges of a cancer diagnosis in our community. As she has said in her book, Strength Beyond Measure, “As Stuart Scott stated, ‘When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live.’ Joseph Michael made these words come to life.” With that sentiment, Barb has created a legacy of hope and healing.“