WILLINGBORO - Lillie Daniels continues her "mission" to help those who are struggling to pay health insurance costs.
She has used her own health struggles as motivation.
"God gave me a mission, and because he gave it to me, I know without a shadow of a doubt I will be here until my mission is complete, and my mission is to give back," Daniels said.
Her nonprofit organization, the Bread of Life, will hold its annual bowling fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. May 14 at the Burlington Bowl and Recreation Center on Route 130 in Burlington Township. Tickets are $25 or $13 for children ages 5 to 10 and include shoe rental, bowling, food and soda.
The event is one of the organization's major annual fundraisers. Its luncheon is planned for Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Merion on Route 130 in Cinnaminson. Tickets are expected to be $40, with more information to come, Daniels said.
Daniels, who will be 70 next year, knows all too well the burden of health costs. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, she underwent a mastectomy and months of chemotherapy. Her shocking $7,000 hospital bill caused her to want to help others.
After a 17-year career as a patient escort at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Daniels witnessed so many sad stories and continues to be touched by the resolve of those fighting illness. It is a resolve she once again needed last year, when she had a lump removed from her neck and battled cancer of the lymphatic system.
Daniels doesn't let her health troubles, including a scheduled surgery next month, get her down.
"I'm too blessed to be stressed," she said. "I'm good to go."
Daniels said her organization has much to do. It usually gives about $5,000 a year to people who are having trouble paying for prescription drugs or other medical costs. It also receives donations such as walkers, wheelchairs and other medical equipment.
"I'm always getting calls from people (those in need and those who want to help)," Daniels said. About $1,000 has been distributed this year. "I hope we can give more than $5,000."
Daniels will attend a health fair April 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the township's John F. Kennedy Center.
As long as the need is there, Daniels said she will fight.
"I have some people (calling me) who are taking half a pill a day (to ration medicine)," she said. "To me, that's unthinkable. (A service like the Bread of Life) is needed."
To purchase tickets to the fundraiser, call 609-871-8986 or 609-871-3125. Space is limited.
Rose Krebs can be reached at 609-871-8064 or rkrebs@phillyBurbs.com
Follow Rose on Twitter at twitter.com/rosekrebs
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