Heather Morrill Breast Cancer Fundraiser

The story of Heather and Rick Morrill has touched the lives of so many people, that we’re hosting this very special event in hopes that their story will inspire you too.  Our goal is to helpHeather and Rick alleviate some of the burden which resulted from medical bills and other tragedies.

Heather was raised in Middletown by her mother, Virginia, and father Arthur “Artie” Cerwin. She lived the typical “20-something” life until losing her mother when she was just 24years old.  Although this loss devastated Heather, she kept a smile on her face and did her best to lead a normal life.  Along with her father, who was now also her only
living family member, Heather filled her days the best way she knew how, with laughter, love and a positive attitude.

Heather later met the love of her life, Rick Morrill and it seemed as though things were finally turning around.  It was clear from the moment they met that Heather and Rick were meant to be and were head-over-heals in love. After their courtship, Heather and Rick “set the date.”  A wedding would be held in the fall of 2010, and it would
be a time of great celebration for everyone.  By the New Year in 2009, with the help of Rick’s family and Heather’s father Artie, the wedding plans were in full swing.  The countdown to wedded bliss had begun.

Little did anyone know, another tragedy would soon overshadow what was supposed to be the happiest time in this young couple’s lives.  In the summer of 2009, Heather would lose her father Artie, only a few short months before her wedding day.  After already losing her mother, this
loss only compounded Heather’s grief.  “Who will walk me down the aisle?”  “Who will I dance with at my wedding?”

Despite the loss of both parents, and a void that could never be filled, Heather and Rick were married on a beautiful November day, and their happily ever after seemed to be underway. Along with Heather’s
son Branden, the couple looked forward to a future full of love, health and happiness.

In the Spring of 2010, Heather and Rick were elated to learn they were expecting their first child!  Their new addition would arrive early in 2011 and they could hardly contain their joy.  Sadly, this journey would end tragically as the result of anectopic pregnancy.   And because the resulting hemorrhage was a life-threatening complication,
Heather would require emergency surgery to remove one of her fallopian tubes. Needless to say, devastation set in for the family.   Doctors advised the family to hold off on any efforts to have more children, while Heather attempted to recuperate mentally and physically from this
ordeal.  It was around this time that Heather went for her first mammogram at the age of 35.

There were no signs or indications of trouble.  It was simply a group of girlfriends going together for their first mammogram at their employer’s mobile mammography center.  It wasn’t until a few days later when Heather got the call that the test came back and something was
wrong.

Heather was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 35.

Before treatment could begin, Heather and Rick were advised toharvest embryos because there is a high risk that the radiation and chemotherapy would cause infertility. The doctors soonplaced Heather in a case study and began to follow her treatment. The plan was for her to
endure several weeks ofradiation then numerous weeks of chemotherapy infusion via a port.  As the weeks went by, the chemotherapy, the multiple prescription drugs, and severe infections at the site of the port left Heather at her weakest and most fragile. As a result of these the complications, Rick had to rush her to the ER day and night.

One year later, and cancer free, Heather and Rick are left with an empty savings account and more debt than they ever could have imagined. They have no choice but to start their lives all over again.

In June, Heather and Rick were called into the doctor’s office with even more bad news.  The complications from thetreatment had left no choice for the doctors but to perform aRadical Hysterectomy.  Heather and Rick learned that the embryos that they had stored would never be
carried by Heather and that if they still wanted to have children that they would need to hire a surrogate. Heather was stripped her ability to carry their child.

Heather and Rick are now faced with not only the medical bills from the cancer treatment, but now will face even more hardship with Heather’s upcoming hysterectomy this summer.  At the age of 37, Heather has been
through what seems to be all that oneperson can handle in a life time.

The average cost for a surrogate, including application fees, legal expenses, medical expenses, administrative expenses andpsychological fees is $20,000 - $75,000.   Heather and Rick can’t afford to begin this process.  And sadly, without a surrogate, will never be able to have a child together.

Heather and Rick Morrill have been through so much in the last 2 years of their lives. At no time did either one of them lose theirspirit or the positive attitude that they are both known for. They faced each and every one of the tragedies hand in hand and heart in heart and conquered not only the physical complications, but also the emotional
ones as well.

Just to name a few of the donations:

Cream Ridge Gold Course donated a gift certificate for "One Round of
Golf for 4 players" (Monday - Friday after 1:00).

One week reserved (7/28/2013 to 8/4/2013) at the Sheraton Broadway Plantation in Myrtle Beach SC near Broadway at the Beach. It is a 1 bedroom (queen bed) unit with a mini kitchen that sleeps 4 (full size sofa sleeper). The resort offers family activities such as
indoor/outdoor pool, miniature golf, sand volleyball, tennis, a lazy river, and a seasonal pool bar. There s a Fitness Center with aerobic and free-weights that is open 24 hours.

John Dockery, a former NY Jet, donated a football signed by Joe Namath

Checks can be written out to "Hand to Hand Ministries"

Suneagles Golf Club Fort Monmouth donated "Golf for 4" up to $217 value
- includes: 4 rounds of golf with cart Monday - Friday - Anytime/
expires 12/31/2012...excludes

There is also  link on www.eastkoast.com where peolpe can buy 50-50 and or make donations.

Many local restuarants also donted, examples: Salt Creek Grille,
Melting Pot, Walter Mihms Steak House, Barncle Bills, Basil T's.........and  many many more.

Please help us make a difference!!!  Any and all donations are appreciate.

Please join us!!!!! ALL ARE WELCOME!!!