Friends turn out for ailing colleague

Fundraiser held for cancer patient

By: Al Wicklund
   MONROE — Monroe Township postal workers braved the snow and raised $5,000 for Erin, a gallant fellow employee who is fighting cancer.
   Sharon Sorensen, a postal worker who coordinated the event held at the Jamesburg Elks on Sunday, said the day went beautifully, despite the snow.
   To give her some added measure of privacy, Erin’s fellow workers aren’t disclosing her last name.
   Ms. Sorensen said the event, which was scheduled to end at 6 p.m., was cut short at 4 when the snowstorm started building in intensity.
   "One of the bands, Ball ‘n’ Chain, didn’t get a chance to play," she said. "The band members drove up from Brick Township and then had to turn around and go back. They were disappointed, but they got home safely."
   Ms. Sorensen said the Elks were beyond description as hosts.
   "We used their hall rent-free, and they gave us a $300 prize for the raffle. Everything they could do to help, they did," she said.
   All of the proceeds will go to help Erin and her family offset her medical bills, she said.
   She said everything was donated to help Erin, a rural letter carrier out of the Monroe Post Office for 17 years.
   Two of the bands — Basement Musicians Guild and the Yingling Brothers — were able to perform before the storm prevailed.
   "Erin’s husband and daughter came to the event on her behalf," Ms. Sorensen said. "Erin wasn’t able to come. They want to protect her from any possible infection. But she was well represented by her family members, both of whom cried while thanking everyone for their help. It was an emotional scene for everyone. People had a good time, too. The food, all homemade, was extraordinary."
   Ms. Sorensen said Erin sent a message of appreciation and said all the support and love she was receiving will encourage her to fight even harder to win her battle with cancer.
   "People in town stopped by and made contributions," she said. "Everyone was so giving. It was incredible."
   She said others who did a lot of work on the event were Nancy Kruse, who had the idea for the event and got the bands; Annette Meyers, who arranged for the hall and did most of the kitchen work; Kathy Kassing, who got local Scouts to make centerpieces and do cleanup; Kathy Felton, who made fliers; Parul Patel and Wendy Bodine, who handled door prizes; and Tom Jones, who sold tickets.
   Ms. Sorensen said the group is planning a Chinese auction fund-raiser in May.
   Ms. Sorensen said anyone who wishes to make a contribution or help in some other way should call her at (732) 521-1981.