Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • June 26, 2013 Mary Pat Christie, first lady of New Jersey, recently recognized the state’s Spirit of a Hero Scholarship recipients during a ceremony at Drumthwacket, the governor’s official residence in Princeton. Michelle Guo of Ho-Ho-Kus was among the 20 honorees, each of whom received a $5,000 scholarship to pursue post-secondary education opportunities. “I’m so proud that, through New Jersey Heroes, we were able to provide these deserving students with an opportunity to follow their dreams and pursue their desired career paths,” said Mrs. Christie, who launched the scholarship program in February. “These students Michelle Guo of Ho-Ho-Kus and Mary Pat Christie at Drumthwacket. have made a difference in their communities through service and volunteerism. I applaud the spirit and com- fairs and high school guidance offices/ mitment they have demonstrated to improve counselors. More than 700 students applied the lives of others, and their personal aspi- for the Spirit of a Hero Scholarship. To be considered for the scholarship, rations to achieve future success.” Guo, a Bergen County Academies stu- candidates must demonstrate a commitdent, is a co-founder of the Do Something ment to volunteerism and community conClub at her high school, where she promotes tribution. Eligible students must also be teen leadership and community services. New Jersey residents and U.S. citizens, and Through the club, Guo has organized and must submit a high school transcript with led various fundraisers and projects to help a letter of recommendation from a current those in need. Her efforts included collect- teacher or advisor. Candidates must also ing jeans for homeless teenagers, writing demonstrate good academic standing at cards to pediatric cancer patients, and rais- their secondary school and enroll as a stuing money for breast cancer awareness. dent at an accredited college/university or a New Jersey Heroes worked with the vocational training school in the 2013-2014 Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, school year (fall or spring semester). the Higher Education Student Assistance To nominate a hero, visit www.newjerAuthority and the Department of Education seyheroes.org and follow the application to promote the scholarship through college instructions. Guo receives scholarship Our hat’s off to: The Glen Rock Women in Community Service for their support. We thank MSO in Glen Rock for hosting their annual Golf Outing on our behalf. Thanks also go to the Contemporary Club of Ho-Ho-Kus for donating gift cards for our families. Meet Philip: Five-year old Philip and his Bergen County family have been known to the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation since he was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008. Philip and his family have been struggling ever since his mother had to leave her job in order to provide the level of care he now requires. Philip suffers many secondary effects that require additional assistance and advocacy with his unique learning needs and many challenges. In 2009, through the diligent efforts of his ECF caseworker, Philip and his brother were able to obtain brand new bunk beds, which they desperately needed. Unfortunately, the recent rain storms caused a leak that destroyed both of the boys’ mattresses. A generous ECF volunteer heeded the call and donated a gently-used mattress for one of the beds, but the boys are in need of another mattress. The family would be tremendously grateful for donations of Target gift certificates that would help them purchase the remaining mattress that must be replaced. Please let us know if you can help Philip’s family. Our families also need the following items: • New twin and queen-size sheets • Stage 3 and 4 diapers and baby wipes • Cake mix and icing for birthday bags • A computer hard drive • Microwaves and toaster ovens • Test strips for one of our diabetic children • New or gently-used air conditioners We are also putting out a call for Spanish speaking volunteers who want to deliver food to our families. 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 that we do not charge anything for our services. We rely on you! If your company has a charitable giving program, please let us know. The community can help 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 sales or events 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! Emmanuel Cancer Foundation is now celebrating 30 years of providing exceptional free services to families all over New Jersey. We welcome members of the community to make a contribution to honor this milestone. Just imagine how much good we could do with $30 from every reader! ECF is seeking volunteers to help with a 2013 holiday party for our families. If you can provide food, gifts, activities, or crafts for our kids and their families, please call. 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 in Midland Park. Visit us on the web at www.emmanuelcancer.org. As always, thank you for helping the children and their families!