Although Jessica DiDario passed away on January 14th 2010 at 21 years old from Osteosarcoma -a rare form of bone cancer-her generous spirit live on in a new nonprofit organization “Jessie’s Journey of Hope”. This philanthropic organization was Jessica’s idea along with her parents and Aunt Donna (an employee of Preferred Realty.) Peters with the help of family and friends set up the non-profit to help other families, who have children fighting pediatric cancer. “Jess valiantly fought her cancer for five years and during this time the medical expenses grew so quickly the next thing my brother and his family knew they were in terrible debt” said Peters. Even though they had medical insurance the cost of travel to specialized hospitals, prescriptions, hotels and co- pays were impossible to keep up with.
Jessie’s families lives in Galloway, New Jersey and were so full of gratitude when small organizations reached out and paid utility, food and gas bills. It was then Donna decided to put together and organization that would benefit families of these children as they faced the most terrible ordeal of there life. “Our mission was to help families without a lot of red tape”. The only requirement to receive aid is to have a minor child with some form of cancer. They do not disburse cash directly to the family, but can pay medical bills and offer gift cards up to $500.00.
When Aline Oulellette President/Owner of PRE learned of Donna’s mission she jumped on board to participate. The first fundraiser through PRE is the sale of JESSIE’S JOURNEY OF HOPE BRACELETS, which are now for sale at the office for $2.00 each. If all 700 bracelets are sold, the foundation will receive a profit of $1,000.00. “This is the first of many fundraisers the company plans to participate in” said Ouellette. Bracelets are for sale at the office located at 526 SW Port Saint Lucie Blvd. , Port St. Lucie Florida. Or by calling 772 237 8098. When realtor Gio Montesano heard of Donna’s foundation he has agreed to offer a percentage of each of his closing’s to the foundation. “ I have worked in the real estate industry for over 20 years and Realtor’s have always been very generous, even in the most difficult of times. It is truly and honors to work with them. You can visit the web site www.jessiesjourneyofhope.com to learn more about this organization. “Through the help of PRE and people like Aline and Gio I hope to grow the foundation and be able to increase the amount of money I can disperse” said Donna. Several families that have received assistance have been right her in Florida. We just want families to know that people out there that care, as they face the most frightening ordeal of their lives.
When you see a Realtor with a pink bracelet you will know they are a member of the Preferred Realty Executives organization.
