Kids with Cancer Need Help… Here’s What You Can Do

The daily burdens thrust upon families who are battling pediatric cancer are many, and the Ashley Lauren Foundation (ALF) is an independent, New Jersey-based non-profit organization that depends on the support of the community to address those needs. This is its mission, and it is one that Monica Vermeulen, Founder and CEO of ALF, aims to fulfill regularly. Even though the pandemic has caused all fundraising events to be cancelled, ALF is finding new ways to bring in funding. But they could really use support from the community, and there are two very specific ways you can help – buying raffle tickets and/or a box from Delicious Orchards. Here’s a great chance to win some money and do some good. Tickets are now available for a 50/50 raffle that will be drawn on September 30 in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Tickets are $25 each, and they will be selling up to 1200 tickets. One half of the proceeds of the 50/50 Raffle to winners will be divided as follows: first place – 80%; second place – 10%; and third Place – 10%. Need to send a gift? Enjoy delicious treats? You can do both and help the kids. Delicious Orchards of Colts Neck is partnering with ALF. Vice President Chris McDonald explained, “Delicious Orchards is excited to team up with the Ashley Lauren Foundation to help raise funds during these difficult times. Due to several events having to be rescheduled or canceled we came up with a way to safely raise funds for a tremendous organization. We have created a Special Ashley Lauren Bakery Box that will be sold online only. For every box that is sold $20 will be donated to the Ashley Lauren Foundation! This box will be available for a limited time, so please place your order today. This sweet Bakery Box contains a Delicious Orchards Brownie, Apple Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and of course a dozen of our Famous Apple Cider Donuts. Send to your Family, Friends, and Clients and help support this wonderful organization. You can place your order by visiting deliciousorchardsnjonline.com.”

“The Ashley Lauren Foundation has been continually assisting children and their families throughout these very difficult times,” shared Vermeulen. “We have been receiving many new referrals on a weekly basis in addition to the many, many families we have already been helping. These children are fighting for their lives and need as much help as possible. Just because we have a pandemic, the cancer that each child has does not stop! In fact, it makes life more challenging for these families because many of the parents are now out of work and their bills are piling up, rents, mortgages, and utilities cannot be paid, food is needed, travel expenses back and forth to hospitals are needed and so much more. It doubles and triples the adversity that they are going through. These are the practical needs, but these children, in addition to suffering from this disease, are confused about what is going on. They need your help.”

In addition to paying bills for the families, ALF makes sure they are still bringing smiles to the children, which is so desperately needed. They deliver toys, send birthday gifts, plan birthday drive-bys, and anything else that can be done to bring some sense of happiness and normalcy. For more information, please visit AshleyLaurenFoundation.org, or call 732.414.1625, or to donate directly you can now Venmo your donation to account @TheAshleyLaurenFoundation.