Trustee Clint Hollingsworth shares diagnosis of cancer with his constituents

by Dan McClelland

Before last Wednesday’s October village board meeting closed, Trustee Clint Hollingsworth asked for the floor to share some sobering news with the community: that he is undergoing treatments for a recent diagnosis of cancer.

The four-year trustee and local contractor learned of his diagnosis on September 17- the same day the village board met for its monthly meeting. Understandably he wasn’t able to make that meeting.

“I’d like to discuss something on a personal level, but I believe it is my duty to bring this to light to the public since I am a representative of the taxpayers of the Village of Tupper Lake and a representative of our community, as a whole,” he began.

“I was on the fence whether nor not I should bring this up or not, but after a lot of thought, I felt it was my duty to!”

During September, he said, he was diagnosed with cancer. “The diagnosis was esophageal cancer and it has metastasized to lymph nodes near the affected area and also there as some lesions on my liver. This is a treatable cancer!”

He admitted he “had a rough road during the month of September, mainly because of a situation I had of internal bleeding which resulted in a lot of loss of blood and multiple blood transfusions.”

“I have started my road to recovery.” He said he has started the recommended chemotherapy treatments, which have been designated for this specific type of cancer.

“The outpouring of support from the community to me has been overwhelming. It’s great to know we live in Tupper Lake, a place which is a very tight community.”

He said he has had both dear friends and people he hardly knows reach out to him with their best wishes.

“I just felt that the taxpayers and the community at large should know his situation to try to clear up any misinformation.”

“This is a treatable cancer. I am going for six treatments of chemotherapy over the next three months.”

He said his medical team intends to “re-scan and reassess” his diagnosis near the end of December.

“I am still seeking re-election and am not trying to use this floor” for my political advantage. He said his commitment to the job, however, is still as strong it was before his diagnosis.

He said he has “responded to his first treatment” and his health has improved since then. “Things have really turned around for me, health-wise. I feel good! I feel strong! I am in good spirits and have a positive attitude!

Trustee Hollingsworth said he was certain he “would get through this.”

“I just wanted to be clear so everyone knows this is what I’m dealing with!”

He said his colleagues on the village board and the many who know him in the community know he is not the type of person to just “have one iron in the fire.”

Mr. Hollingsworth said during his career he has had many challenges in his life- sometimes often happening simultaneously- “and I think I have always handled them well.”

He admitted that he has done a lot of soul-searching since his diagnosis.

“I will leave you with a quote from Peter Marshall: ‘When we long for a life without difficulties, let’s remind us all that the mighty oaks grow strong with contrary winds and that diamonds are made under pressure.’”

“I hope to be living proof of that. Thank you, everybody!”

Mayor Paul Maroun, on behalf of his friends at the board table, said they were behind him in his struggles ahead. “I know you know you have the thoughts and prayers of this board and this community!