Help A South Toms River Boy Beat Cancer In Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — Miguel is an adventurous, kind 7-year-old boy with a bright smile and contagious laugh. But recently he and his family received difficult news.

The South Toms River resident was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. A major fundraiser for Miguel and his family from 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 at Veterans Park.

Miguel has continued to lose vision and hearing. He endures chemo treatments and will likely need chemo and radiation for months to years, according to a GoFundMe for his family. He has already underwent two blood transfusions.

Miguel's mother quit her job to care for him. Funds will support Miguel's medication, transportation to the hospital, childcare for his four siblings and daily expenses such as rent and bills.

He continues to smile and laugh through treatment, according to Erin Gunteski Ritchie, one of the Miracles for Miguel Committee members. But his family could still use the community's help.

One-hundred percent of proceeds at the "Strike Out Cancer" fundraiser will support Miguel and his family, according to Nicole Gibbons, one of the organizers.

Admission costs $10 per person (3 and under are free). Food and "Miracle for Miguel" t-shirts will be available for purchase.

Admission includes the following:

• Live Music
• Softball Games
• K9 Demo
• 2 Gift Basket Tickets
• Hotdog Ticket
• Drink Ticket
• Classic Car Display
• Kid Zone

The Kid Zone costs $10 for admission. It will feature face painting (2-4 p.m., dunk tank, kid's tattoos, games, a DJ, inflatables and a Touch-a-Truck.

The event schedule includes the following:

• 1-2 p.m.: Live Band (Jezzie MacLynn)
• 1-3 p.m.: SWF Wrestlers Autographs ($5.00)
• 2-3 p.m.: Live Band (ACFM)
• 3 p.m.: Gift Auction Winners & 50/50 Called
• 3:30-4 p.m.: STR K9 Demo
• 4-5 p.m.: Live Band (Bill Burleigh)
• 5-6 p.m.: Live Band (Shane Sloan)

The South Toms River Youth Baseball League and South Toms River PTO, with the Miracles for Miguel Committee co-sponsoring.

Organizers, at first, wanted the event to take place at the South Toms River Little League field, Gibbons said. But because of space and parking availability, they asked Berkeley Township and Mayor Carmen Amato whether they could use Veterans Field. The Township approved.

Click here to pre-purchase tickets.

Click here for the "Miracles For Miguel" GoFundMe.

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