![John Hersey Photo Photo courtesy of John Hersey](https://hinghamanchor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/John-Hersey-Photo.jpg)
Hello, friends, family, and fellow Hingham residents,
Over the past several months I have been asked by many people why I am collecting old tires. The answer is a simple one but with a story behind it. I've decided to share it with the hope of helping others.
Last year I was diagnosed with cancer. This was something I was not prepared for. I was devastated, as cancer runs in my family.
I was given several options on how to fight this terrible disease, one of which was a clinical trial of a new drug. I was one of about a thousand people nationwide to test this new drug. Long story short, and after a long year and 38 radiation treatments, I'm cancer-free.
Over the winter I decided to grow tomatoes, starting them from seeds in my kitchen window. My plan was to give my homegrown tomatoes to the doctors, nurses, and support staff at the Dana Farber Cancer Center in Weymouth, as these are the people who saved my life.
As each day passed, I kept thinking about how fortunate I was. The list of people I wanted to thank and show my appreciation to kept growing and growing, starting with my primary care doctor, his staff, the laboratory staff, x-ray technicians, and phlebotomists. The list goes on and on.
As each day passed, and watching what is happening in the world today, I decided to grow as many tomato plants as possible and to give them to the health care workers who tirelessly help others. I will also offer my tomatoes to anyone in need.
Please feel free to stop by anytime. I'm happy to help however I can. As of today, I have more than 1,000 tomato plants growing inside the tires I mentioned earlier.
I would also like to thank my neighbors. As you know, I don't have a backyard so the front yard is my garden.
#TomatoStrong
#HinghamStrong
#Cancerfree
Sincerely,
John Hersey
65 Hersey St.