Each of our families are treated as friends . . . they
are not a number or name without a face. Many consider us a lifeline to hold
onto at any time, day or night. When we lose a child to cancer, our contact with
the family does not end; this is when we are needed even more.
Our History:
Ocean of Love was co-founded in October 1988 by Linda
Gillick and the late George Goldt. Along with a dozen caring and diverse
individuals working together to set up this non-profit, Ocean of Love became a
reality.
At the time we started with just twelve families
covering all of Ocean County. Love and compassion for these families helped us
originate the name Ocean of Love. Many feel it’s because we live near the ocean
but in reality it is to define the county and area we serve.
The main office was located in Linda Gillick’s home
until 2001. A generous donation from a benefactor supplied the down payment
necessary to get our own home @ 1709 Rt. 37E Toms River, NJ 08753. I say home
because our families refer to it as their “home away from home”. It’s a place
to come and feel safe, welcome and above all respected and loved. We are
located in the Ocean County seat of Toms River on the main highway of Route 37
East.
Many years of devotion by board members, benefactors,
staff and above all the generous grassroots efforts of the public has made our
mission a reality. Over 400 children and their families of which 50% are
considered cancer free have been helped by us. Unfortunately we lose 25% to
this appalling disease. The other 25% continue their battle daily.
I hope that in my lifetime we will be able to close our
doors because cancer will have been eradicated. Until that day, we will do our
best to provide the daily needs of these children and their families. We will
hold their hands. . . hug them tight. . . and provide the love and support
emotionally and financially to walk the road of hope.
You Can Help:
