Dear Friend,
I am writing to you as a mom who lost a child to cancer, and as a friend of the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation (ECF). I hope you will read my story and consider making a donation to ECF today. Every amount counts and goes a long way to helping people like me whose kids have cancer.
This year, ECF helped over 250 New Jersey families battling pediatric cancer.The next time you are in a public place look around you. You will see many different types of faces. Each is the type of family that ECF helps - single families, grandparent households, divorced, separated, rich and poor, young and old - families who have heard the words that John, Nikirah, Ashley, Jorge, your child, our child, their child, has cancer.
When I heard those words I had no idea who to turn to outside the hospital. This wasn't supposed to happen to me or anyone I knew but it did. As a single working mom of three girls I learned that cancer affects families in my neighborhood, in my child's school, and now in my own household.
When I was lost trying to figure out how to navigate the maze of medical terms, working to pay bills, get my other kids to school and still spend time with my dying child, I found ECF. They helped pay bills when I missed work, and they even sent me a clothes dryer so instead of spending hours in the laundromat I could spend the last few months with my child. Groceries were delivered because I often forgot we were low on toilet paper or food. They brought smiles to my children's faces with a holiday party and gifts for them all.
This year, ECF provided over $170,000 in food and material donations to families in need.I had someone to talk to who understood what living the nightmare of childhood cancer means. I had someone to advocate for me and to hold my hand when the tumor spread. When my precious daughter finally left her suffering behind, ECF offered hope and a shoulder to cry on. Even now when most think I should have moved on, ECF understands that although I got up and continued working, that I am still missing a limb. So they continue to offer me and my other two daughters an ear of support, a hug when I need it and a light in a world that has too much tragedy.
This year, Caseworkers made 448 home visits and spent over 1800 hours advocating for our families.After my daughter died I remember driving and thinking the world should have stopped. Everything should be different, someone should notice. And then I saw a rainbow. To me ECF represents one of the rainbows in this world. In all that downpour, when it seemed like the rain would never stop and I felt overwhelmed by the storm, ECF was the ark which helped provide food, shelter, and most of all someone to listen and understand.
ECF cannot help people like me without your support. During this holiday season, I hope you'll remember families like mine who really need your help. Please make your most generous donation today . It's a beautiful gift to give.
Warmest regards,
Marie, Nikirah's mom
P.S. Your assistance is critical to New Jersey families fighting pediatric cancer. Can I count on you to make a donation today?
