Community Corner

Carolers Bring Joy, Gifts to Family Facing Difficulty

A "lawn full of neighbors" showed up on a local family's front yard, bringing gifts and holiday cheer during a time of misfortune.

Members of the Prokic family were going about their day when they heard voices outside their Eldersburg home.

“At first, I thought it was just our community strolling from home to home, but as my eyes adjusted from the glare of the flood lights, I soon realized this was something a lot more,” said Julia Prokic, a mother of three.

“As I gazed through the crowd, I noticed it was not just moms and kids, but entire families,” said Prokic. “I couldn't believe they were all here. I know how hard it is to get people together during the holidays, not to mention during a Ravens game.”

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As the special carolers sang on Sunday, Dec. 4, they placed a basket on the family’s front porch and one by one friends and neighbors of the Prokic’s approached and placed cards, gift cards and goodies on the stoop.

“Roger, the kids, and I were so caught off guard by this kind gesture. I was completely overcome with emotions,” said Prokic. “I couldn't believe so many people came together to help us.”

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The outpouring of support came after a nightmare diagnosis for what Julia’s husband Roger thought was a common cough.

On Oct. 23, a CT scan at Carroll Hospital Center revealed he had a large thoracic mass.  

“Our world forever changed when the emergency room physician told us the mass was either lymphoma or Thymoma,” said Julia. “Yes, the dreaded ‘c’ word – cancer. It is amazing how much impact that one word can have on your life. Roger and I were immediately overcome with tears and fear. Initially all we could think of was how could this happen to him?”

Roger was transported to University of Maryland Medical Center to be further evaluated and four days later he had a biopsy of the mass, which confirmed the initial diagnosis – he had large diffused B-cell lymphoma.

Roger underwent a bone marrow biopsy and PET scan. “The wait for the results was so nerve wracking,” said Julia. “We were so relieved the results were good news. The cancer was not in the bone marrow and had not metastasized. We felt a big weight lifted off our shoulders. We were ready to fight this head on.”  

Five days after that he was receiving his first chemotherapy cycle and the Prokic’s family, friends and neighbors stepped up, organizing a “meal train” website to assist with dinner every other day.  

“Anyone who knows me knows it is so hard for me to ask and accept help,” said Julia. “But I am glad they persuaded me to do it. I couldn't believe how soon all the dates filled up. Our family and friends truly were there to help us. “

But then there’s more. On the evening of Roger's homecoming from the hospital, the Prokic’s dog Jesse, became ill.

“Thank goodness for my two strong neighbors, Jonathan and Donnie Knox, who helped pick up my 100-pound baby and place him comfortably in my SUV,” said Julia. “Another neighbor, Lisa Castaneda, drove me to the pet emergency room and comforted me during Jesse's passage to doggy heaven. Again my community was there to lend a helping hand and to support me through this difficult time.”

The next day, Julia withdrew from her nursing class. “It was so hard to make that decision. I was on track to graduate from the registered nurse program at Carroll Community College this May,” said Prokic.

“As hard as it was to withdraw, I know it was a blessing. Going to school prior to Roger's illness was hard enough, but balancing it with his illness was very stressful. I was worried I would bring some bug home to Roger while his immune system was completely compromised.”

That’s when her neighbors organized by Castaneda stepped in yet again, bringing a “flash mob” of carolers to the Prokic’s Eldersburg home and spreading the true meaning of the season.

“That evening will forever be part of my favorite holiday memories. Yet another example of our community helping us through this crisis,” said Prokic.

“Our holiday wish for everyone is to feel the love and warmth from how our community has shown their love and support for us and to pass it on to others. We are proud to live in our community and feel so blessed.”  


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