Early last summer, 50-year-old Newton resident Pierre Auguste noticed persistent pain radiating from his abdomen. He and his wife, Ruth, anticipated possible gallstones and began preparing for ambulatory surgery. Instead, his physician gravely informed them that his gallbladder was not the culprit, and that a CT scan was necessary to diagnose what was likely a much bigger problem.
The couple were completely blindsided when the diagnosis returned: Pierre had Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The tumors were creeping into his gall bladder and had metastasized to his liver.
Despite the initial devastation of the news, Pierre and Ruth — along with their large network of devoted friends and family — set to work strategizing. Meals, transportation, and above all, care for their 12-year-old son Evan, have been meticulously scheduled so that Pierre can focus all his energy on battling the cancer that now threatens his life.
Pierre is under the care of an oncologist at Mass General Hospital, where he is currently undergoing intense chemotherapy on a weekly basis.
Unfortunately, several of the medications administered to Pierre are not covered by insurance. One of these medications is Creon, which helps him to metabolize food and maintain a steady weight — a major challenge as he progresses through his treatment.
Pierre’s network has organized a fundraiser to try to offset the ever-rising costs of his medical care, which, as of this writing, exceed $100,000. Friends, family, and many gracious neighbors in Newton have already donated to help reach his goal, and his friends are hoping to raise more during the upcoming season of year-end giving.
The son of Haitian immigrants, Pierre was raised in Dorchester and attended Boston Technical High School and Boston College. After graduating, Pierre and his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Baudouin, married and moved to Los Angeles to work in the entertainment industry. While in California, they joyfully welcomed son Evan, now 12 and a student at Bigelow Middle School. When they eventually returned to the East Coast, they settled in Newton Corner, which they have called home for seven years.
Pierre’s giving spirit and affable nature have consistently been a source of stability for those in need. His friends know Pierre as a devoted son, husband, father, and friend to all, and they are now asking the generous people of Newton to provide Pierre some financial peace of mind as he fights to beat the odds — and to help ensure the ongoing care and education of his young son, Evan.
