NJ Cousins Support Breast Cancer Victims [AUDIO]

In 2007, cousins Erika Rech and Mike Ruane were hit with the news of three relatives, including Erika's mother, being diagnosed with breast cancer. At that young age, they decided to action.

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They launched the group, Breast Intentions, which has evolved from selling candy at church to a full-blown gala fundraiser.

After seeing first-hand how bills pile up for breast cancer patients, they set a mission of helping women and their families with expenses.

"We wanted to help woman directly with those everyday bills," explained Rech. "We've paid for a wide variety of things from prosthetics and co-pays to heating bills, electric bills."

In just over 5 years of service, Breast Intentions has raised more than seven hundred thousand dollars that has gone directly to the families.

"Nobody should have to worry about bills when they're struggling to get better," said Rech.

The charity has an upcoming event on February 13th, called Caring With Karaoke, at Park 33 in Freehold. Their 5th annual "Celebration of Hope, Determination, and Courage" Gala will be held on April 27th at the Meridian Ballroom at the Eatontown Sheraton.

"These women that we help are so selfless, and it's really humbling to be able to be in their presence," she said.

The group has already expanded into four other states, and hopes to keep growing.

Learn more by visiting their website and Facebook page.

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