By: Mark Moffa
HIGHTSTOWN – Maria Remboski spent a lot of time with her son, Jeremy, as he was in and out of hospitals in a struggle with brain cancer.
She observed many other children and many families, families who could not afford the expensive treatments required for children with cancer. Some families could not afford to spend any time with their children.
"We saw so many families that just were completely on their own," said Ms. Remboski, who had a lot of support from her family. "We saw so many people that just did not have the same luxury that we did."
After Jeremy died one week before his sixth birthday in 1995, Ms. Remboski was determined to help these families. So, in 1996 she started The Jeremy Fund with her stepmother-in-law, Paula Remboski.
"We help families of children undergoing treatment for cancer," said Ms. Remboski, who was recognized this year by Woman’s Day as a "First Lady of the Community" – an award that came with a $2,500 donation to The Jeremy Fund. "We decided to help other families so that they can be with their kids."
As their motto reads, "No child should suffer alone… Help us help kids with cancer."
Ms. Remboski, who hails from Hamilton, said the group does not pay medical bills, but helps with other bills in an attempt to free up money for medical bills.
They’ll help with anything from mortgages and car payments to groceries and even wigs for the children.
The organization is run by committee of 15 individuals who volunteer their time to the Fund, which brought in $45,000 last year, all of which goes to help families in need.
Ms. Remboski said that businesses have been helpful in donating space and resources to The Jeremy Fund.
Along those lines, Rich Ganeles is donating his 6,000-square-foot Fun House to the organization for a fund-raiser Monday night.
The Fun House, which has been in Hightstown for about 18 months, includes a 2,500-square-foot game room offering more than 60 new and classic-style arcade and boardwalk-variety games, including pinball, Skeeball, pool tables, and jet and car simulators.
From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, for $7 per person or $20 per family, folks can donate to a good cause, eat dinner, and have fun at the same time.
Mr. Ganeles said The Fun House is great for anyone from 4-year-olds to adults. The place is available for individuals or groups to hold private birthday parties, corporate events or other celebrations, including bar and bat mitzvahs, company Christmas parties and school activities.
The facility is not open to the public for general use. Those who wish to hold an event there must reserve the building.
Scotto Pizza on Abbington Drive in Twin Rivers will be supplying pizza at Monday’s event for half price to the organization.
Mr. Ganeles’s services for the evening would have normally cost the group more than $2,000.
"There are so many people like Rich out there," said Maria Parmigiani, a friend of Ms. Remboski’s who is on The Jeremy Fund’s committee. "It kind of restores your faith in people, especially when times are a little rough."
Anyone wishing to contact The Fun House for more information should call 1-888-266-4Fun or visit www.thefunhouse.net.
Anyone wishing to donate to The Jeremy Fund should send contributions to The Jeremy Fund, 234 Sullivan Way, Ewing, NJ 08628.
Tickets to Monday’s party are available at the door or by calling Ms. Parmigiani at 609-631-0622.
