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Local Company Organizes Chemo Care Kits for Patients Battling Cancer
BARNEGAT, N.J., May 26, 2022 — Walters, an award-winning real estate developer based in Barnegat, is supporting Cecily’s Care Crates, a local charity started by the late Cecily Lovas of Manahawkin. By partnering with David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation, Walters’ staff is collecting donations and assembling chemo kits to be distributed to hospital patients affected by cancer.
Three years ago, Cecily was a 19-year-old college freshman who was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare brain cancer that typically affects babies and young children. While battling cancer, she became a patient advocate for David’s Dream. Her goal was to provide comfort to fellow patients at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she was being treated. She decided to put together chemo care kits for other patients and got the support of family and friends who helped gather donations and items for the packages. Cecily passed away earlier this year, but the program she started continues in her name.
“Cecily had a giving personality, even while going through a difficult time. That’s who she was,” said Jennifer Pampalone, social services coordinator for Walters and a friend of the Lovas family. “The kits contain a range of self-care items such as activity books, non-grip socks, hand sanitizer, lozenges, Queasy drops and peppermint tea. So while they’re getting treatment, they can have their comfort kits to pass the time.”
“We plan to make this an ongoing program,” added Pampalone. “Our initial goal is to assemble 30 care packages that will be distributed to local hospitals.” Walters staff and residents of the company’s multifamily properties are volunteering to write cards and assemble crates. For more information on supporting the program, or to find the nearest place where items can be dropped off, contact Jennifer Pampalone at 609-978-4499 x 2803.
“As the program grows, the distribution will evolve as well,” said Kristy Koos, COO of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation based in Manahawkin. “Currently, the crates are shipped directly to the patients that have been awarded financial grant assistance by our organization. So far this year we have helped over 70 patients and families. It is our goal to help over 300 patients in 2022.”
Over the years, Walters has been an active supporter of many local organizations in need including the American Red Cross, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, hurricane relief, Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life/American Cancer Society, Toys for Tots, Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company, and Barnegat and Stafford Girls Softball Leagues.
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500 Barnegat Blvd. N., Building 100, Barnegat, NJ 08005
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Emma Ackel/Jamie Platt
Caryl Communications
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