Foundation finds ways to help cancer patients

Monica Vermeulen knows how horrible it feels to hear the words, "Your child has cancer." In February 1991 her family members' lives were forever changed when her 3- year-old daughter, Ashley, was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer that occurs in children.

Ashley, now 21, endured years of chemotherapy and radiation to kill the cancer. Inspired by her daughter's story of survival, Vermeulen founded the Ashley Lauren Foundation in July 2005. The foundation is a nonprofit group dedicated to helping families whose children are battling pediatric cancer.

The organization's assistance is available to the family of any pediatric cancer patient who is receiving treatment in any New Jersey hospital, at Memorial Sloan- Kettering Cancer Center in New York, or at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Vermeulen, a resident of Brick Township, said, "What makes the Ashley Lauren Foundation different from other charities is that we lived through pediatric cancer. When a child is diagnosed, the family's entire income is affected as one parent may have to take a leave of absence or quit work in order to bring their child to treatment. The Ashley Lauren Foundation is committed to helping any family with financial or material needs, as well as with emotional support."

She said these services are not only available to the cancer patient, but to the entire family. The foundation, which is based in Colts Neck, has given families access to a psychologist at no cost, helped diminish the burden of travel expenses, bills and prescriptions that are not covered by insurance, and has thrown birthday parties and supplied families with holiday gifts for children.

Irene Vaslas' daughter was 18 when she began receiving treatment for Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in 2007. Vaslas was referred to the Ashley Lauren Foundation by a social worker.

"I was put in contact with Monica, who is such a beautiful and wonderful person. She is willing to extend her hand in every way possible in order to make the patient happier or allow the patient to receive better care. Sometimes I couldn't drive my daughter to her treatments and Monica would set up a taxi or limousine service to get her to Memorial Sloan-Kettering on time. The Ashley Lauren Foundation is phenomenal," Vaslas said.

The Ashley Lauren Foundation receives most of its funding through community based fundraisers.

The Lord & Taylor Westfield Benefit Bash will take place on Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Shoppers must buy $5 admission tickets in order to attend, and the Ashley Lauren Foundation will retain all proceeds from ticket sales. The foundation hopes to receive a bonus check donated from Lord & Taylor for selling the most tickets or for the highest attendance. The price of admission includes a coupon and savings pass, as well as the opportunity to win prizes. Additional information may be found at http://ashleylaurenfoundation. org.

The Ashley Lauren Foundation's third annual golf outing will take place on Oct. 29. A continental breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. tee-off. The event will end with a barbecue lunch and live auction at 1:30 p.m. The cost to participate is $200 per golfer.

The Apple and Pumpkin Festival is scheduled for Nov. 7 at Bucks Mill Park in Colts Neck from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature Scottish-American Highland games, a pie, cookie, cake and muffin contest, a hay maze and hayride, pumpkin painting, a make-your-own scarecrow craft, pony rides, a petting zoo, food and live entertainment. The event has a rain date of Nov. 14.

To sponsor or participate in an event, call the Ashley Lauren Foundation at 732-414-1625.

Vermeulen is also seeking volunteers to help her keep the events running smoothly. Explained Vermeulen, "The experience is so rewarding for any volunteer. They are helping us to fulfill our mission of providing hope and help for children with cancer."