BERKELEY – A gift auction will raise money for childhood cancer research, a cause that is surprisingly underfunded.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children ages one to 14, according to the American Cancer Society. Accidents are number one.
But despite this, there are very few foundations for childhood cancer and research into childhood cancers don’t often get the same attention that other research gets.
“In the past 30 years, only four drugs have been approved for childhood cancer research,” said Janet O’Brien. Her daughter, Emiliana Rose, passed away in 2015 at just 13 years of age. She had been fighting osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.
This particular strand is extremely rare – statistics say four per million girls would be diagnosed – despite two children in Berkeley being diagnosed in 2015. Most people don’t know it exists.
The family had never heard of it either – until it affected them, she said.
“Emiliana didn’t know what the gold ribbon meant,” she said. Now, through the foundation in her name, there are gold ribbons throughout town and even on municipal buildings letting people know that September is Childhood Cancer Month. The governing body passed a resolution recognizing this at their most recent Township Council meeting.
Emiliana’s Hope has raised more than $15,000 for childhood cancer research, and this has all happened because of fundraisers.
A gift auction will be held on September 19 at the Bayville Volunteer Firehouse, located at 645 Atlantic City Boulevard. Doors open at 4 p.m. and calling starts promptly at 6 p.m.
The Pre-Order Sale includes: admission $15, one white sheet, one yellow sheet and one green ticket. Pre-Orders can be paid by Venmo, cash or check. Venmo payment must include # of tickets, name, address and phone number.
For tickets, email emilianashope@gmail.com
Sales at the door include: Admission $15, and one white sheet.
All tickets will be given out the night of the event.
Residents and businesses who wish to buy a gold ribbon or lawn sign can call 732-895-5481.
Visit EmilianasHope.com for more information. Their online fundraising is at gofundme.com/emiliana-shope
