Campaign Raises $18,000, Stafford Family Gets New Car To Take Son To Cancer Treatment

Within just 48 hours, people donated $18,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to purchase a 2021 Dodge Durango for an 8-year-old Stafford boy who needs transportation to his cancer treatments.

Patrick Dougherty started the fundraiser for young Gio Trotter, who was diagnosed with stage four metastatic Ewing's sarcoma last December. One chilly February morning, with the Ashley Lauren Foundation's Laura Scalese present, Gio's mom received the keys to their new SUV.

“I started the GoFundMe on a Friday around noon, and on Monday when I woke up, it was funded,” Dougherty said. “I was in a ball of tears. I couldn't believe it happened.”

The Ashley Lauren Foundation helped spread the word about the fundraiser. For Scalese, the cause hits close to home - she understands the heartbreak of losing a child to cancer personally.

The SUV will let Tiffanie Cardosa take her son to his treatments reliably. With ongoing chemo and radiation in Philadelphia, having dependable transportation is crucial.

Donations came in quickly, showing just how supportive the community is. When they delivered the keys, both neighbors and foundation members came out to celebrate.

Dougherty wore his "Fight for Kate" sweatshirt, a tribute to his niece Katelyn Morales, who lost her battle with cancer. His family's experience motivated him to help the Trotters.

From the beginning, the Ashley Lauren Foundation has supported New Jersey families dealing with childhood cancer. They connect parents who are going through similar struggles.

With team members like Scalese leading efforts, they ensure families don't face these challenges alone. Their firsthand knowledge of what these families endure guides their support.