Lynn family seeking funds to fight illness

LYNN – Scott Cyr is a construction worker with a gruff exterior and a wisecracking sense of humor.His rough-and-tumble attitude might fool people at first glance, but the brother of Ward 3 City Councilor Darren Cyr is silently battling an incurable brain tumor that has all but eroded his well-being.?It?s really hard to watch him go through this,” Cyr said. “He?s more subdued now and has a hard time keeping his balance? he has his moments but, for the most part, his spirits are pretty good.”In October 2010, Scott experienced a Grand Mal seizure while working on a construction site with his nephew. After a series of tests, Scott was diagnosed with Oligodendroglioma Grade II and underwent brain surgery at Brigham and Women?s Hospital to remove the mass from his right frontal lobe.?They removed 90 percent of the tumor, but it?s an incurable brain cancer,” he said. “The last 10 percent of the tumor has spider webbed itself through his brain.”Cyr said his brother is currently undergoing chemotherapy therapy treatments and taking anti-seizure medication, but as a result of the disease, Scott, 50, is unable to operate his business, McGrath Construction, which has already suffered in the down economy.?He had to shut down his business, but still has bills to pay without an income,” he said. “His wife, Louise works at Union Hospital, but has had to take a lot of time off, so it?s a strain.”As a result of Scott?s inability to work and mounting bills, a cocktail party fundraiser has been brainstormed by his family to be held on June 18 from 8-11 p.m., at the Old Salem Green Golf Course on Wilson Street in Salem. The hope is that enough funds will be raised to help Scott and his family focus on him getting better, rather than monetary concerns.?Both of my parents have worked so long and so hard, and now with something like this, it sets them 35 steps backward,” said Scott?s daughter, Meredith, who is working alongside her sister, Sharyn on the fundraiser. “We?re just hoping to relieve some of their financial anxiety.”While last-minute details are still being worked out, Cyr said entertainment for the evening will be provided by Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy?s husband, Kevin, who has donated his time to play the piano and sing. Hors d?oeuvres will be served at the event, along with a raffle and various prizes.?We have Red Sox tickets and we?re hoping to get gift certificates, scratch card baskets, simple items, but still worthwhile things that people would want to win,” Meredith said. “Donations of any kind would really help at this point.”All of the support has been overwhelming for Scott, who said he uses it as strength to carry on.?It?s pretty humbling to take the help and I?m very thankful for the support,” he said. “You know, you pray your whole life to be able to retire? but when my doctor said I had to retire, it blew me away.”For more information about the fundraiser or to make a donation, visit www.friendsofscottcyr.orgTickets are $25 per person. All proceeds go toward the Friends of Scott Cyr Fund.