Letter from Irene

I am writing to you on behalf of Carly’s Kids –A Foundation for Education, the foundation that I created in honor of my daughter Carly Elizabeth Hughes. Carly was diagnosed with gastric cancer on October 8th, 2012, just two days before her 24th birthday. Despite numerous operations and weeks of chemotherapy and radiation, she lost her brief but heroic battle on February 17th, 2013, just 4 short months after diagnosis.

Carly never complained during any of her treatments. She spent her last months determined to beat the disease, inspiring everyone around her------ including her family, friends, and the entire medical team supporting her. The determination Carly portrayed during her cancer treatment was the perfect example of the passion she exhibited in life.

Carly spent her childhood growing up in Haworth, NJ and graduated with honors from Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest.In May 2011, Carly graduated with a degree in Education and Mathematics from Boston College (BC). It was Carly’s intention to dedicate her life to children, and to others who were less fortunate. While at BC she participated in, and led, a service trip to the Holy Family School in Natchez, Mississippi. It is the oldest African--- American Catholic School in the United States. The school has been forced to downsize and continues to struggle financially. Carly wanted to assist the school in whatever way she could and took it on as a mission of her own.

It is the goal of the Foundation to carry on Carly’s mission and provide education for children in need, as well as support research for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer and the Carly Elizabeth Hughes Vascular Research Fund that has been established at Columbia University Medical Center.

Carly’s family and friends have been an invaluable help in turning her dream into a reality, but now I am asking for your support as well. Carly’s Kids --- A Foundation for Education has been established through the Community Foundation of New Jersey. Donations can be made through the CFNJ.org website or checks can be made payable to CFNJ / Carly’s Kids. All donations are tax deductible.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

-- Irene

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