Illness sparks special bond for Rochester women

Published: 2004-05-18

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (CNS) -- Trish LaFortune and Jeanne Pavlina knew each other casually because of their involvement in parish ministries and their husbands' work together. But in the past year, another link between the women has brought their relationship to a new level. Last summer, LaFortune approached Pavlina at a parish gathering to say she had just been diagnosed with cancer. Pavlina was the first person outside her immediate family LaFortune told -- mainly because she knew that Pavlina had been battling cancer as well. "I offered that if she wanted to talk and scream and holler, I would be there with her to cry right along," said Pavlina. Since that time, the bond has deepened between the two women. LaFortune is pastoral associate at All Saints Parish in Corning. Pavlina is the faith formation and youth ministry coordinator for Schuyler Catholic Community, made up of St. Mary of the Lake in Watkins Glen and St. Benedict in Odessa.

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