(MINEOLA, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (Woodbury) welcomed the Moger family to the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building on Thursday, Jan. 14, where Life’s Angels delivered a $5,000 donation to the family.
Janine Moger was chosen as one of the charity’s 2020 beneficiaries after her husband Chris passed away from stage IV esophageal cancer - a valiant battle that took both an emotional and financial toll. In late 2019, Legislator Lafazan partnered with the Oyster Bay Brewing Company and Coach Meeting House to host a fundraiser for the Moger family.
In its first three years of existence as a not-for-profit organization, Life's Angels has raised more than $200,000 for Long Islanders facing hard times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization reworked its annual Texas Hold ‘Em fundraiser as an online event - the success of which empowered them to continue fulfilling their philanthropic mission.
“In January of 2020, the unimaginable happened and I lost my 48-year-old husband to stage IV esophageal cancer after a relentless effort to help heal him. My family now included myself and two small children Seraphina, 3 and John, 8. I was not only grief stricken but thrown into severe physical anxiety as to how I was going to provide for my children both then and in the future,” Janine Moger said. “I was immediately faced with losing my home to foreclosure after years of hardship during his battle with cancer in 2018 and 2019. Life’s Angels heard our story and the challenging times we were continually facing. They helped me sustain some of the day-to-day financial budgetary demands with their two generous donations. I am so grateful for their help and contribution to my family. Their outreach and kindness is a part of the light that shines through for us in such great darkness.”
“Life’s Angels’ mission is to give back to those dealt a bad hand in life. When Legislator Lafazan brought Janine Moger’s story to our attention, we unanimously decided to support her and her children,” Life’s Angels co-founder Jeff Schwartz said on behalf of the organization’s Board of Directors. “Initially we were able to provide only a partial grant given the cancellation of our fourth annual tournament, however due the outpouring of support from our online event, we were able to double our prior gift to the Moger family.”
“Time after time, residents of the 18th Legislative District have stepped up to lend a helping hand to families in our community when tragedy strikes. This spirit of giving is a constant source of inspiration and a beacon of hope during uncertain times,” Legislator Lafazan said. “We are grateful for Life's Angels and we truly inspired by the amazing work they do every day!”
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PHOTO CAPTION - Legislator Lafazan, right, joins the Moger family (center) and Life’s Angels board members Jeff Schwartz, Brad Siegel and Bruce Irom on the front steps of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building on Thursday, Jan. 14.
PHOTO CREDIT - Office of Legislator Joshua Lafazan