Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • December 5, 2012 Risa and her mom have been on their own since Risa was born. Risa’s mom has been driving a 1995 Jeep Cherokee that no longer starts. She was told that the electronic panel in the car is not working, and the brake system does not work. She called the Chrysler dealer, who told her she needed to get the car there so they can hook it up to equipment to diagnose the problem, but she has no way to get the car there. Mom is desperate to get this car fixed so she will have some type of transportation for Risa’s many appointments. To help: Our annual fundraiser will be held at The Brick House on March 1, 2013. We are putting together an event committee. Please call us if you would like to be involved. We could use help in marketing, selling tickets, finding sponsors, and more. We rely on our local community to help support our families. Many of them do not have the financial or emotional support to help them get through a major illness like cancer. Please remember: We do not charge anything for our services. We rely on you! We are also happy to discuss our programs at your next fundraiser or event. If your company has a charitable giving program, please let us know. You can help us in a variety of ways. Turn your event into a fundraiser, and collect checks or gift cards for our families. Your efforts help us to help families in many ways, including sending a case worker to visit the families at their home or in the hospital. This support for the kids, their siblings, and parents is crucial. Get your kids involved, too. Some have held Bake Sales or Yard Sales, and donated the proceeds to ECF. Is your Cub Scout or Girl Scout Troop looking to earn badges? Call us for some ideas to get creative and have fun while learning about philanthropy! (continued on page 21) Our hat’s off to: Russell Research of Rutherford for their Annual Food Drive, and to all of the wonderful people who helped us during the holidays. Our drivers were thrilled to be able to deliver lots of Thanksgiving goodies to our families, who were so grateful. Holiday needs: Our thoughts are with our families who have been affected by Sandy. They will continue to have many needs long after the repairs are done. Please consider calling us to see how you can help make their recovery easier. Currently, we need “Christmas in a Bag” to be delivered to families. Please feel free to drop off stuffing, cranberry sauce, muffin mix, gravy, and any other popular food items. Our families appreciate your help. Please call our office if you would like to adopt a family for the holidays. Meet Risa: Risa is a vibrant 13-year old girl who struggles to do many things that most of us take for granted. She was born with neurofibromatosis type I, and was diagnosed with leukemia at age five. Now Risa is struggling with a serious side effect, Graft vs. Host disease. She has also developed osteomylitis in her legs. She went through chemotherapy, many surgical procedures, and bone marrow transplant. Risa uses a wheelchair most times because this has left her unable to walk at times. She is now on hormone therapy to see if they can strengthen her legs.