Family overwhelmed by support of youngster and friends
I just want to say thank you, and those two words don't say enough. You turn on the television, read the newspaper or click on the Internet, and you cannot find a feel-good story like the one that happened this past Friday in Sayreville.

My daughter, Alexis Vanore, is 5 years old and has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, but this is not about me or my daughter. It's about friends, family and our community. It's about a sixth-grader who has a heart of gold and her group of friends who spent days out of their own busy schedule to help out.

Amanda Mulligan and eight of her friends put on a benefit this past Friday night at the President Park Fire House, Parlin section of Sayreville, and raised more than $3,000 for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. This group of girls devoted

their time and energy when most other girls their age are out shopping or gossiping about boys. They wrote a play, rehearsed, and it showed.

My family and I were overwhelmed with the love and support from the group, most of whom had never even met Alexis. I also want to thank all the businesses from town that made donations to the event and the more than 200 people who came out to support Amanda and the cast of "Two Different Worlds" for the foundation.

Amanda, thank you…but that doesn't say enough.
Joe Vanore
Sayreville