Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • May 9, 2012 donate their time to ECF. They are: Carolyn, Bob, Pat, Kay, Nancy, Valerie, Grace, Maureen, Carole, Joan, Mary, Marianna, and Dot. We graciously acknowledge our many food drivers who deliver food to our families each month. They include: Greg, Pete, Kierstan, Julie, Joan, Elsie, George, Donna, Don, Joe, John, Debbie, Wendy, and Tyler. We couldn’t do it without you! Save the date. On May 14, ECF will be the recipient of Community Day at Blue Moon in Wyckoff. Eat at Blue Moon’s Boulder Run location from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the restaurant will donate 20 percent of your bill to our family assistance fund. You will need a coupon from us. We are in need of air conditioning window units for our families. They must be new or in good working condition. We also need boys’ summer clothing in size 7/8 and XL, pants or shorts in size 16, and shoes in size 7. Finally, our families could use some prepaid phone cards for Cricket Mobile. Meet Rich: Rich was diagnosed with a brain tumor that metastasized to his spine over 10 years ago. Since that time, he has endured over a dozen surgeries, countless rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and extended inpatient and outpatient stays at numerous hospitals. His tumor is inoperable due to its location in his brain, and the doctors’ only option and hope is to keep it from growing any larger. Unfortunately, things have recently begun to change more quickly than before, with increasing fluid buildup requiring brain surgery to alleviate the pressure. Rich had brain surgery less than six months ago, and now was told by his doctor he needs another one immediately. Rich is confined to a wheelchair, as he is unable to stand or walk on his own. His body twitches uncontrollably, and his hearing and vision are now greatly impaired. His parents have to yell at the top of their voices and stand directly in front of him to have a conversation. Rich used to enjoy watching television and movies tremendously, but now his impaired vision and hearing make that very difficult. He also used to enjoy working on his laptop, keeping in touch with relatives living in different locales. However, with his shaking and compromised coordination, this is another thing he cannot easily do. His spirits are incredible considering all he has been through and all that has been taken from him, but lately he is feeling more and more isolated. His case worker, Michele, suggested to his mom that an iPad might be easier for him to use than his laptop, and he could again engage in some pleasurable activities. Mom agreed, but she was recently laid off from her job after 12 years. With only her husband’s income to cover regular living expenses and Rich’s doctor bills, therapy, insurance expenses, there is no money left for anything else. Donations of Best Buy gift cards would enable the family to purchase an iPad for Rich. Michele is appealing to the community for their help and generosity to try to make life just a touch more pleasurable for this brave young man who has had so much taken from him. ECF, which was named for a little boy named Emmanuel who lost his battle with cancer nearly 30 years ago, uses monetary contributions to cover the costs associated with providing free services to any New Jersey child who has cancer. Approximately 70 cents from every dollar goes toward direct care for our families. If your company has a charitable giving program, please let us know. Each month, we distribute about 140 bags of food to our families. You can help us fill our pantry. When you go grocery shopping and something non-perishable is on sale, please grab some extra items and drop them off at our outreach center. Staples such as sugar, flour, salt, cooking oil, detergent, pancake mix/syrup, and rice are always needed. You can help in a variety of ways. Consider turning your next event into a fundraiser for ECF, and ask guests to bring checks or gift cards to be used by our families. Your efforts help us to help our families in many ways, including sending a case worker to visit the families at home or in the hospital. Kids are welcome to help, too. Many have held sales or other events and contributed the proceeds to ECF. If your Boy Scout or Girl Scout Troop needs to earn badges, visit us in Midland Park. Scouts can get creative and have fun helping our families as they learn about philanthropy. ECF representatives are available to discuss our programs at your next fundraiser or event. Give us a call for more information. If you have a few hours a week to spare, consider becoming a volunteer, or just stop by and meet with us, take a look at our pantry, and see what ECF is all about. Call (201) 612-8118 before you stop by. Please do not leave items at the center without checking with us first. Our storage space is limited. The Northern Regional Center is located at 174 Paterson Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Visit us on the web at www.emmanuelcancer.org. As always, thank you for helping the children and their families! Our hat’s off to the Wyckoff Cub Scouts for their food donation. Thanks to the generous family from Wyckoff for buying the Lightening McQueen car for ECF kid Michael, and to the family who purchased the Kohl’s gift card. Thanks to Wyckoff Troop 1045, a group of fourth graders who brought books, personal care items, and collected change for us. We also thank the office volunteers who generously