Bread of Life keeps lending a hand to those in need

Lillie Daniels knows that when you are battling illness, the last thing you want to spend energy on is worrying about how to pay your medical bills.

Inspired by her own battle with cancer, Daniels, a Willingboro resident, decided to start the nonprofit organization Bread of Life in 2002 to help others pay their medical bills.

The organization holds two major fundraisers each year: a luncheon and a bowling outing in the spring.

This year’s luncheon will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15 at The Merion on Route 130 in Cinnaminson. Tickets are $40. About 100 are still available.

“A lot of these people have children,” Daniels said of the families Bread of Life helps. “They are in dire need. ... Even if they have insurance, they don’t have money for their copay. ... It’s the calling that God has put in my life. It’s a pleasure to do it.”

She said she is touched by the calls she receives. One woman, a mother of four, was diagnosed with cancer and is struggling to keep a roof over her family’s head.

“You’ve got to figure out how to pay your copay, and you’ve got to figure out how to feed your family,” Daniels said. “It’s tough.”

She said the luncheon is intended to be “uplifting” and to honor those who have helped Bread of Life along the way. Five people will be honored at the luncheon, and a “celebration of life” march will give attendees a chance to enjoy another day of living.

“My luncheon is different,” Daniels said. “(Bread of Life’s) aim is to give people hope. (A cancer diagnosis) is not a death sentence. Early detection is important. It is a must.”

Daniels, who will turn 70 in January, has twice battled cancer since 2002. She is cancer-free, but she did undergo two major medical procedures last summer. She vows to not let them slow her down.

“The need is so great,” Daniels said. “The Bread of Life never stops giving. It keeps me going.”

This year, the organization has given about $8,900 to people in need. Her goal is to get to $10,000. Daniels said her board of 13 people helped pick up the slack when she was recovering.

“We never missed a beat,” Daniels said, adding that she hopes next year to be able to write checks for $1,000 for people.

When the organization started, it could award checks of only $100. That is now up to $500. Some recipients get referred to her from the Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County in Willingboro, and others just write letters or send emails letting her know of their struggles.

“(My illness) let me see the need of people,” Daniels said. “It’s important to give back. You can’t go through something, get better and move on. You’ve got to think about the other person (who is still struggling). What if there were no organizations to help?”

Her 17 years working as a patient escort at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia also motivated her to help those with medical needs, Daniels said.

The luncheon, which will feature a chicken and salmon meal and desserts, will include testimonies from survivors. Daniels said she is thankful for the help of local businesses, including The Merion for offering a discount. Also, ShopRite, Sam’s Club and L&M Bakery donated desserts, she said.

To purchase tickets or make donations to Bread of Life, call 609-871-0660 or visit www.breadoflifeld.com.

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