A charity started by a 12-year-old Thornhill boy and his family has helped raise more than $220,000 to help chronically ill kids meet costly bills for medical supplies, accommodations and transportation.
Aaron’s Apple was named after Aaron Maresky, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age seven. He realized not all families can afford medical costs for kids with cancer, diabetes and other illnesses that can range up to $5,000 a month, said his mother, Mandy Maresky. So he started a charity.
In less than a year, it grew from selling candied apples at a Walmart to holding sponsored events such as the now-annual Caring to the Core gala.
The charity’s funds are available to families that do not have health insurance and have exhausted all other options, including government funds.
“For them, it’s between life and death or living a life that’s pain-free,” said Maresky. Aaron’s Apple helped 18 children and their families in 2012 alone.
Now, the charity is poised to raise another $300,000 at its 2013 Caring to the Core gala event scheduled for March 2 at Downsview Park.
