A donation is made by the Open Your Heart to Children Battling Cancer Foundation
Guy Moretti saw the devastating effects of childhood cancer when his friend’s four-year old son was diagnoseded with leukemia. A parent himself, he found the family’s anguish and financial hardship so unimaginable that he started a charity to help.
About six years ago, he and his co-workers at Century 21 Moretti Realty created the Open Your Heart to Children Foundation. So far they have raised over $500,000 to assist families stricken by the disease while supporting pediatric oncology research and treatment.
“We wanted to embrace a cause that allowed us to give back to the community,” stated Mr. Moretti. ” There are few resources available to families caring for sick children. They are under incredible stress… sometimes losing their jobs, their homes, their cars just to stay afloat. We’re trying to make their lives a little bit easier.”
In addition to helping families directly, the Foundation partners with organizations that share its passion for fighting pediatric cancers and blood disorders. Since 2006, it has donated over $100,000 to JFK Medical Center’s pediatric brain tumor program as well as the Haven Hospice Children’s Program and other Solaris Health System services related to childhood cancer.
The Open Your Heart to Children Battling Cancer Foundation garners money through individual donations and many community fundraisers, incluading walk-a-thons, Casino Nights, and the annual ” Old Timers Motorcycle Race and Community Picnic” to be held in South Plainfield, NJ this fall. ” our greatest hope is that they find a cure for childhood cancer” said Mr. Moretti. ” But in the meantime we can help ease the pain for affected families, whether its purchasing groceries, making mortgage payments or providing health service referrals.”
Without question, this very special foundation is enriching the care of
pediatric patients at JFK Medical Center and throughout central New Jersey…one heart, and one child at a time.
This article was published in the Touching Lives Newsletter Summer 2009 edition by the Solaris Health System an JFK Medical Center
