The members of CancerCare Teen take a break during their successful miniature golf event held at Monster Golf, Marlboro. From left: Michael Zigman, Andrew Polkowitz, Nate Cohen, Eric Moss, Joni Polkowitz and Julia Cohen. I n today’s world almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer. Five teenagers in Marlboro decided to do what they can to assist individuals who are battling the disease by joining with CancerCare.
The teenagers — Julia Cohen, Nate Cohen, Eric Moss, Andrew Polkowitz and Michael Zigman — have formed a branch under the guidance of CancerCare’s New Jersey program to become CancerCare Teen.
Andrew, 17, said his uncle, Gary Polkowitz, and grandmother were both cancer survivors, and his uncle was involved with CancerCare.
According to CancerCare’s Internet website, the organization is a national nonprofit that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved.
CancerCare programs — including counseling and support groups, education, financial assistance and practical help — are provided by professional oncology social workers.
Joni Polkowitz, Gary’s wife, said that when her husband was ill the family received much needed support from the organization. After Gary was given the all clear, the family decided to give back to the group that helped them.
Knowing about the work that CancerCare provides, Andrew wanted to help. His other uncle, Michael Polkowitz, is on CancerCare’s board.
Andrew and his four friends wanted to help, so they formed a teen board in February to assist the association.
Michael, 17, said he wanted to help make a difference for people who are fighting cancer. The young man whose grandmother survived breast cancer said his hope is “to make it easier for those going through this.”
Nate, 16, who had a grandfather who battled cancer, said he is close to Andrew and his family. Nate not only wanted to help his friend’s relatives, but other individuals who are fighting the disease.
The teens tossed around ideas for fundraisers and ways to help generate money for Cancer- Care. Their brainstorming session led to a fun night of miniature golf on May 13 at Monster Golf in Marlboro. Once they had a concept for a fundraiser, the teenagers went to work advertising the event and selling tickets.
Michael said the group sold 103 tickets, surpassing their initial goal, reaching a total of just under $1,200, with some donations still coming in.
The success of the event was not just from the persistent nature of the board members who sold tickets. The board members acknowledged that without the help of their family members and friends, the event would not have been as successful.
While the five teenagers are a part of CancerCare Teen, their younger siblings have helped spread the word to middle school and elementary school children. Facebook was used to create an invitation to the May 13 event, which helped in reaching an even larger community, the boys said.
There will be more efforts to help Cancer- Care. On Sept. 18 the teens will bag groceries at ShopRite in Aberdeen Township as a fundraiser. CancerCare Teen will help out and walk in the annual CancerCare New Jersey Walk for Hope on Oct. 2 at Pier Village in Long Branch.
Joni Polkowitz said the family has walked at the event in the past as Team Polkowitz. Her daughters have helped CancerCare as well, with Carly donating her birthday money to the organization and Rachel taking time to spread the word about CancerCare Teen’s upcoming events.
For more information about CancerCare and the October walk, visit www.cancercare.org. Volunteers and walkers are still needed.
Since their spring fundraiser was such a success, the teenage board members are planning to organize another event for the winter.
The teenagers said they know that because of their supportive friends and family members, they will be able to assist CancerCare in its efforts to help others.