The sun was shining brightly, and the weather was breezy and warm at Cowan’s Gap State park in Pennsylvania today. This was the site of the “Angel’s March,” a benefit walk to support two very sick children of the Troia family. We decided to pay them a little visit.

Both of the Troia children suffer from a disease called “Metachromatic Leukodystrophy,” and without going into too many details, it’s a disease that the prognosis is never very good. Compounding the problem is that the youngest of the two children is being treated at Duke University in North Carolina, so each Friday the father – Jamie – drives from the family apartment in Pennsylvania to be with his wife and family…then turns around and drives back home every Sunday night. The mother – Winter – stays with her youngest at the hospital, away from friends and family that love and support her. All the while she must sit and wonder about the future.

I was alerted to this family’s plight by Sarah Snyder, a young actress/model who was selected to appear in our calendar. When she told me the story of the Troia family, I could not sit and do nothing. Something had to be done, and it had to be done as soon as possible. I was told that Winter’s FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) was due to expire, and she could potentially lose her job – thus – no more health insurance, as she was the insurance carrier for the family. The family had lost their home due to medical expenses, thus living in the apartment had become necessary.

When I was informed of the Troia family’s situation, I was initially thinking of donating somewhere around $1,000 to them to help out. But due to the extreme generosity of the fans that support “Scares That Care!,” we were able to increase this donation amount to $2,500. A tiny drop of relief in a sea of heartache.

That check brought a few tears when it was presented to Winter’s Sister, Heather.

We don’t know the future that is in store for the Troia family. We can only hope the very best for them. What they DO know is that now, they are loved and supported by “Scares That Care!” They are loved and supported by YOU.

If you would like to make a special donation to the Troia family, I would recommend money, Grocery Store Gift Cards or Gas Station gift cards. You can mail these items with a note that states “Troia Family” to;

“Scares That Care!” 18530 Falls Road, Hampstead, Maryland, 21074

I thank everyone for their continued support of this charity. I only ask you to do what you can to continue to support us, or simply spread the word to others – so that we can help many more in need like the Troia family.

Joe Ripple
Founder
“Scares That Care!”