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Joey Cialkowski
Christopher Colangelo
Donna Garland
Andrew Hollitt
Kristine Morello-Wiatrak
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Donna Garland inspired 'angel kisses' as she fought a battle with the help of family and friends alike.
Donna Garland of Hopatcong, NJ was a woman who wore many hats - wife, daughter, sister, co-worker, friend - but none more important than the mother of 11-year old quadruplets - Kevin, Paige, Brian, and Sean.
These past few months have been tremendously difficult for her children, husband Brian, and close friends, as Donna lost a valiantly-fought battle with cancer on Saturday, December 6, 2008.
"Donna had nothing but positive thoughts right up until the day she passed," recalls Beth Ann Vivian, a co-worker of Donna's for thirteen years at Wyndham Hotel Group in Parsippany, NJ. "Her famous line was "I'm kickin ass!' whenever someone asked her how she was doing. She was very strong and tough - a real fighter!"
In 2006, Donna was diagnosed with non-smoking related lung cancer. As a private person, she continued to work and did not tell many people. She underwent lung surgery and began on the path to recovery. However, things took a turn for the worse when in April of 2007 she was diagnosed with three malignant brain tumors. One was removed, but the other two were deemed inoperable and Donna began radiation. In September of 2008, Donna was given the news that despite their best efforts, the two tumors had increased in size and the area remained malignant.
"When Donna's battle started and she was unable to work, Beth Ann, myself, and a number of her closest friends at Wyndham Hotel Group felt helpless and needed to do something to ease her and Brian's worries and anxiety brought on by the uncertainty of the future, mounting medical expenses, a mortgage, and everyday living expenses," says Terrence Gilligan, Vice President of Development for Wyndham Hotel Group.
Beth Ann reached out to Family Reach Foundation, and they provided a grant to Donna and her family to help ease the financial burden.
Donna's wish was for her four children to have an opportunity for college. Thus was born Angel Kisses for Donna - a group of fifteen close friends dedicated to remembering her legacy and raising money for the Garland quadruplets.
"The name makes perfect sense - Donna loved angels and chocolate - Hershey's kisses to be exact," explains Beth Ann. "She even kept a bag in her desk at all times - so when you needed your chocolate fix, you knew where to go!"
Through the generosity of friends, family, and even complete strangers, a trust fund has been established for the Garland children. Those wishing to donate can visit www.angelkissesfordonna.com for more information. Donations can also be made to Family Reach Foundation in Donna's name to help other families facing similar challenges.
"It would be hard to sum up Donna in just a few words. She was kind, considerate, generous, and thoughtful. She always went the extra mile. She never once complained about what she was going through, and was determined to manage her household and family from her bed until the final days. I can still hear her infectious laugh ringing in my ears today!," recalls Beth Ann. "I know she continues to watch over her family and her friends."
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