
DATE: Monday, April 21, 1997                TAG: 9704210040

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B8   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY MEREDITH COHN, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE                        LENGTH:   83 lines

A YOUNG CANCER PATIENT RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM OLD NEIGHBORHOOD

When his older brother got into trouble with the law, that was a lesson in staying in line.

When his neighbor's lawn become overgrown, it was a signal for him to help out.

His parents' deaths were reminders of the importance of family. And the son born to his teenage girlfriend gave him a namesake and, about a month ago, a bride.

Albert Burnett, who had more than his share of bad luck during his 24 years growing up in South Norfolk, can draw purpose from just about anything. But, finally, his old neighborhood has given him something of particular value:

Local merchants Una and George McConnaughy started a charitable fund at the Bank of Hampton Roads for Burnett and his wife, Angula, and son Albert III.

Burnett has cancer - and little savings and no insurance.

Una McConnaughy has known Albert, now 26, and Angula, 19, since they were kids and used to come to her convenience store and deli behind the BP gas station on Bainbridge Boulevard. Albert worked for her briefly.

``Their childhoods weren't so good, and they managed to pull it together and turn into really wonderful people,'' Una McConnaughy said. ``This community is like no other community I've ever been in. The people here have supported us and our business, and I had to do something for them. I'm sure other businesses will want to, also.''

Anne Tregembo, a local activist, said, ``The community has a history of taking care of its own.'' When Burnett's mother died in December, neighbors brought food and flowers.

This time, however, Burnett needs more. He was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer March 3, said his doctor, Susan Melin. The disease spread to his lymph nodes and caused kidney problems because, without insurance, he waited for nearly a year before seeking treatment. Although the disease is treatable better than 90 percent of the time if caught early, Melin said it was too soon to predict Burnett's reaction to treatment.

Bon Secours' DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk is footing the bill for Burnett's surgery to remove an infected testicle, and the chemotherapy that he will need for months. Without insurance, however, there is no money for home care, so all treatments, including simple intravenous drips with antibiotics to stave off infections, will require hospital stays. The intensive treatment and resulting risk of infection, exhaustion and nausea mean he cannot work, Melin said.

``That means I have to plan things like cutting the grass for times I know I won't be too weak,'' Burnett said. ``Some other things are issues, like eating. For a time, half an apple was enough to fill me up. . . . And my looks, my hair, took some getting used to for my son. Daddy's a baldie now.''

Burnett had worked as a marine and industrial painter, a physically demanding job in which he put in extra hours to boost his salary. Burnett had insisted that Angula finish high school after having their son, but she now holds her first job: part time at a Portsmouth veterinary clinic.

The Burnetts moved recently just over the Chesapeake line into Virginia Beach, where they found a house they could afford to rent with a garage, back yard and short distance to a good school. They say Angula's salary, plus money from selling one of their cars, will go to the bills. They may seek help from Social Services.

While he believes moving was a good decision for his son, Burnett said he regrets that he will not grow up in the same Stewart Street home that he did.

``We had a good times playing in the alleys and creeks,'' he said. ``We didn't have a whole lot, but we always had our friends there. Kids stay inside here more.''

Burnett said he hopes to return to work but, as he does with all of life's harsh turns, points out a positive: His cancer allows him to spend more time with his son. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by MORT FRYMAN/The Virginian-Pilot

Albert Burnett, who had a fair amount of bad luck during his 24

years growing up in South Norfolk, can draw purpose from just about

anything. Now, his old neighborhood has given him something special.

Albert Burnett, wife Angula and son Albert Burnett III, face a

difficult time as the father is treated for cancer. The family has

little savings and no insurance. Support, however, is coming from

his old neighborhood, South Norfolk.

Graphic

WANT TO HELP?

Contributions to the Burnett fund can be sent to the Bank of Hampton

Roads, 712 Liberty Street, Chesapeake, Va. 23324. KEYWORDS: CANCER