Kristine Morello-Wiatrak was, and still is, a great inspiration for the development of the Family Reach Foundation. Born on September 3, 1968 in New York City, Kristine was the first of three children to Richard and Marilyn Morello. Her disposition from birth was almost always sunny and positive, and she filled her family members' lives with much joy.

At the age of three, Kristine and her family moved to Oakland, New Jersey where she lived for most of her life. Early in her school career, Kristine excelled with excellent grades and an ease in making friends. She had wonderful energy, taking up dance and gymnastics and playing both soccer and softball. Because she was very independent, Kristine chose to work after school while attending Indian Hills High School. She loved having the means to buy things for others. Her generosity spoiled her brothers, Rick and Brian, her parents and her friends.

As a marketing major at the College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College), she was the vice-president of the marketing club in addition to working a part-time job. Despite a very active social life as well, she graduated with a 3.5 GPA. Eli Lilly, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, hired her as a sales representative. While in their employment, she again dedicated herself to excellence and won several awards.

In 1990 at the age of 21, she met her future husband, Christopher. Kristine and Chris dated for 5 years and became engaged in 1994. After five years of fun and happiness, however, Kristine and Chris received unimaginable news: Kristine was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, only six months after their engagement.

Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York became her second home for several months of continuous treatment. With hardly a complaint, she faced her worst nightmare. She was an incredible soldier who inspired everyone daily with her courage and high spirits. While in the hospital, she was a cheerleader for other patients during their struggles. She visited their rooms and rallied them with her radiant smile, her uncanny sense of humor, and her fighting spirit. She never said, "Why me?" She just always expressed gratitude in all the good things that she had experienced through her life. Against all odds, she and Christopher were married on September 24, 1995. It was truly an occasion to remember. For 2 1/2 months, they shared a remarkable life of love and devotion.

With no stone unturned, all treatments failed. Kristine succumbed to death on December 14, 1995. But before her passing, she requested that her family give assistance to others in their struggle against cancer. She herself had received so much support, both financial and spiritual, from family, friends, and the community. Even after her death, her tremendous spirit of generosity lives on.