NJ Charity Tackles Childhood Cancers [AUDIO]

Sherrie and Michael Wells are continuing their dedication to helping children with childhood cancers, after losing their own in 2010.

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The Hugs For Brady Foundation was started shortly after their then 13 month old son, Brady, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Brady battled the disease for 10 months before passing in July 2010 at 23 months old.

Sherrie could not believe the lack of resources and progress on childhood cancers as her family went through this heart-wrenching process.

"As I began to look into childhood cancers," Sherrie Wells explained, "I was outraged that so many children have cancer and so little is being done to try to cure this disease."

Hugs For Brady's initiatives include raising awareness for the need to become a donor, providing resources to hospitals and cancer organizations to enhance patients' lives, and funding research to help find a cure the 13 types of childhood cancers.

"We hope to provide enough support to researchers to find a cure for this horrible disease because so many children are battling this disease, especially in the New Jersey area."

In just over two and a half years, the foundation has raised over $400,000 with nearly all of that going to the cause since they are 100 percent volunteers, and have minimal overhead and expenses.

They hold the Hugs For Brady Twilight 5K and Family Fun Run this Saturday, April 27th, at South Brunswick High School, beginning at 3 p.m. The event features music, food, beverages and balloon releases.

"It is just an absolutely wonderful day. It's our third annual."

Wells says the goal is simple, to help in any and every way possible to ease the pain of the children and their families who have cancer.

"It's up to the adults to spread awareness. It's up to foundations to just let people know that kids get this and it's not rare, as people think."

Hugs For Brady has made incredible strides in a short time, while also honoring the memory of a New Jersey child, Brady Michael Wells, who lost his life too soon.

Learn more about the foundation and the upcoming event by visiting them online and on Facebook.

More Good News

Benefit for Caitlin

Union resident Caitlin Goerlich has been chosen as this year's recipient in the sixth annual Taste of Union, an event that gathers local restaurants throughout the town for a restaurant night. Born in 1993, Goerlich was diagnosed with kypho-scoliosis, which has led to paralysis and wheelchair confinement.

Despite her disabilities, Goerlich continues to reach her goals. Goerlich shoots archery and participates in field and track events. A student at Kean University, she hopes to become an author. One of her biggest dreams is to drive a car. She passed her driving test earlier this year, but needs a vehicle that can accommodate her disabilities.

Proceeds raised during Taste of Union will go toward helping her dream of driving come true. Taste of Union is scheduled for April 25 at Knights of Columbus. For more information, contact Karen Caulfield at 908-851-5472.

Bold Steps to Fight Thyroid Cancer Walk

Rider University and REACT Thyroid Foundation are hosting a walk on April 28 in the Student Recreation Center at Rider University to benefit thyroid cancer. The "Bold Steps to Fight Thyroid Cancer" event aims to increase awareness about thyroid cancer and help raise funds for research.

The event was conceived by students in a Rider University public relations class after being inspired by a visit from Lori Cuffari, executive director of Bold Steps to Fight Thyroid Cancer, and a cancer survivor herself. To learn more, visit the website.