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Birthday Gifts Go To Help Fight Cancer

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 21, 2007

PLANT CITY - Jamie Bertomeu decided she didn't want toys for her 9th birthday.

She wanted to do something to help fight cancer, a disease her mother, Cindy, has been fighting for years.

Jamie, a third-grader at Walden Lake Elementary, told her mom she wanted her friends to bring cash to donate to cancer research at her party in October at the Kids Bounce Zone, an indoor playground and party store on Alexander Street.

She raised $250, which she donated Nov. 5 to the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. She hopes that donations such as hers can help researchers find a cure for the disease.

Cindy Bertomeu, 39, was diagnosed with lung cancer 12 years ago. After surgery, radiation and several rounds of chemotherapy she was cancer free for about six years. In 2002 cancer was again found in the same lung and in her stomach. More chemo and two rounds of radiation have helped to hold the cancer at bay.

"Here, Mom," Jamie Bertomeu said during her party, handing her mother a $20 bill that was inside a birthday card. "This might be the $20 that finds the cure for cancer."

Cindy Bertomeu said doctors told her that her cancer is slow growing. "I've had my ups and downs, but I am trying my best to beat this. My family is very supportive," she said.

At the party, about 20 children ran through the Bounce Zone, going from one play-spot to another, screaming and jumping around like children do.

Dena Gray, Cindy Bertomeu's sister, had a corresponding birthday party for her daughter, Lauran, at the same time and place.

"Considering everything she has to deal with, Cindy is doing fine," Gray said. "Lately she has been feeling tired all the time. She tries to carry on like nothing is wrong. She gets tested at the clinic every three months. She's stable. Her energy level goes up and down. But she takes it in stride."

Sonya Gartman, a family friend, said Bertomeu has supportive family and friends.

"Cindy stays upbeat," Gartman said. "Things like this birthday keep her going and positive. She is enjoying this as much as the kids."

Toward the end of the play period, and just before the cake was cut, Jamie's father, Joey Bertomeu, arrived from work. He is the owner and sole proprietor of Joey's Tile Service. He installs ceramic tile on floors and in bathrooms, and wood, carpet, vinyl and marble flooring.

Joey Bertomeu works as many days as he can.

"We really need the money now," he said. "I'm staying busy, but I hope the residential and commercial markets pick back up."

The couple also have a son, Tyler, 15, who is a sophomore at Plant City High School.

A week after her birthday, Jamie delivered a check for $250 to Scott Antonia, a physician and official at the cancer center in Tampa. A photographer and other Moffitt officials were also there accept Jamie's donation.

"One day they will find a cure," Cindy Bertomeu said. "I hope that I am here to celebrate that day with my family and the rest of the world."

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451 or gnewman@tampatrib.com.

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