BARNEGAT, NJ — Barnegat-based real estate developer Walters announced that it has partnered with David's Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation to support Cecily's Care Crates, a local charity started by Cecily Lovas of Manahawkin, who died earlier this year.

Walters' staff is collecting donations and assembling chemo kits to be distributed to hospital patients affected by cancer, the company announced in a release.

Cecily's Care Crates was started three years ago when Lovas was a 19-year-old college freshman and was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, which is a rare brain cancer that typically affects babies and young children.

Lovas became a patient advocate for David's Dream, and wanted to provide fellow patients who were also being treated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with comfort. She started putting together chemo care kits for the other patients, supported by friends and family who collected donations and items for the kits.

"Cecily had a giving personality, even while going through a difficult time. That's who she was," Jennifer Pampalone, social services coordinator for Walters and a friend of the Lovas family, said in a release. "The kits contain a range of self-care items such as activity books, non-grip socks, hand sanitizer, lozenges, Queasy drops and peppermint tea. So while they're getting treatment, they can have their comfort kits to pass the time."

"We plan to make this an ongoing program," Pampalone said. "Our initial goal is to assemble 30 care packages that will be distributed to local hospitals." Walters staff and residents of the company's multifamily properties are volunteering to write cards and assemble crates, the company said. For more information on supporting the program, or to find the nearest place where items can be dropped off, contact Jennifer Pampalone at 609-978-4499 x 2803.

"As the program grows, the distribution will evolve as well," said Kristy Koos, COO of the Manahawkin-based David's Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation. "Currently, the crates are shipped directly to the patients that have been awarded financial grant assistance by our organization. So far this year we have helped over 70 patients and families. It is our goal to help over 300 patients in 2022."

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