Crystal Vizcaino tried not to cry. She rubbed at an uncomfortable false eyelash while sitting in the back booth at J&T’s Breakfast & Lunch.
Vizcaino’s used to waiting tables at the little Johnston eatery; not sitting at a booth like a customer.
One by one, her fellow waitresses and restaurant patrons stopped by the booth, offering hugs and kisses and messages of support.
Vizcaino’s facing “the fight of her life” according to friends. Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cervical cancer, which has metastasized throughout her body.
She’s had trouble asking her doctors questions and remains uncertain of her prognosis.
“I don’t know,” she said, fighting back the tears. “I don’t want to ask. I’m afraid to ask.”
Vizcaino has three kids — a fully grown daughter and two sons, a 17-year-old and a 20-year-old with severe autism. Her two sons are both students at Johnston High School.
On Sunday, May 19, her friends plan to hold a 1-4 p.m. fundraiser at Copperfield’s Burger & Beer House, 678 Killingly St., Johnston.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door, or in advance at J&T’s Breakfast & Lunch, 98 George Waterman Road, during regular business hours. According to organizer Bobby Nicholson, music will be provided by 2nd To None (lead vocalist Debra Coppola, Kenny Williams on lead vocals, guitar, and bass guitar; and Jery Potenza on guitar, saxophones, bass, keyboards, and vocals).
Nicholson thanked Copperfield’s owner Karim Menibe for providing the fundraiser venue. The Johnston music promoter said that he and five-time World Champion boxer Vinnie Paz “have stepped up to help” the mother of three “in the fight of her life.” He also thanked local businesses — J&T’s Breakfast & Lunch, Borrelli’s Bakery, Rosa Mia Pizza, Resmini Law Office, and Catanzaro Food — for donating toward the fundraiser.
Vizcaino recently lost all her hair. She’s been receiving treatments, which have left her weak. She has a hard time walking and standing. And most of all, the uncertainty of the future and her current living situation have combined to make the last few weeks particularly rough.
Owners of J&T’s Breakfast & Lunch, John and Tina Poulos, stopped by to offer hugs and pose for a few snapshots with Vizcaino.
The Johnston mother of three’s housing situation has been shaky, and she may need help finding a new place to live. She’s not able to work, faced with an intense medical regimen, and hoping for a little bit of light during a dark several-month stretch.
Vizcaino’s friends hope they can provide a little financial relief, via the May 19 fundraiser, to make the next few months a little easier.
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