I lived in the small town of Farmington. Not much happens in our little town so when something hits the papers it is big news. A marijuana raid 15 months ago led to criminal charges being filed last week (“Federal grand jury indicts 11 of 12 defendants in alleged marijuana scheme in Franklin County,” Nov. 9). Rumors are quick to spread without a lot of facts.

I had a unique friendship with Luke Sirois, and when his name appeared in court I was surprised. I knew Luke casually from places around the community. Luke was there for me when my husband was diagnosed with a stage 4 glioblastoma, which means incurable brain cancer: no remission, no cure.

In conjunction with our doctors, Luke walked us through the benefits of medical marijuana and how to legally get a medical card. He worked side by side with our doctors to ensure the medication was appropriately administered.

I saw my husband rest and be pain free for the first time. He could sleep and visit with family. When my husband passed, he was at home with his loved ones not in a hospital. At my husband’s funeral, I gave Luke a hug and thanked him for all his help. He looked me square in the eye and told me my husband inspired him to do research to help cancer patients.

Luke Sirois went out of his way to make sure we got quality care and done legally. That was my experience. There are always two sides to every story.

Daphanie Simpson

Sidney