Our beginnings
The Colangelo and Morello families saw a problem bigger than cancer. They saw financial hardship and disparities that make cancer a different experience for every family. In 1996, they joined forces and started Family Reach to change the financial reality of cancer.
Christopher Colangelo
Christopher Colangelo, the eldest child of James and Andrea Colangelo, was born on April 15, 1970 in Union, New Jersey. He attended Hamilton Elementary School, where he participated in the school’s Gifted and Talented Program. Christopher also served as a 4H Club President and was a star athlete. Outgoing and sensitive, his family remembers him as someone who was always curious and quick to learn new things.
In March of 1978, Christopher was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic neuroblastoma. After surgery to remove a spinal tumor, his adrenal gland, and his kidney, Christopher underwent grueling chemotherapy for 2.5 years, as well as numerous rounds of radiation. When the regimen failed to destroy the cancer, Christopher participated in an experimental trial at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore in June 1981. Despite these efforts, Christopher passed away on September 1, 1981 at 11 years old.
Christopher’s family remembers his tremendous care for others, happiness, and energy. He faced his illness with strength, humor, and courage beyond his years, and accepted his death with peace. Christopher’s spirit lives on through his family and in the work of Family Reach.
Kristine Morello-Wiatrak
Kristine Morello-Wiatrak, the first child of Richard and Marilyn Morello, was born on September 3, 1968. From an early age, she was always sunny, positive, and possessed a gift for making friends. As a teenager, Kristine excelled at school and pursued dance, gymnastics, soccer, and softball. She attended the College of New Jersey, where she majored in marketing and was the vice president of the marketing club while working a part-time job. Upon graduating with a 3.5 GPA, Kristine went to work as a sales representative at Eli Lilly, where she won several awards.
In 1990, Kristine met Christopher Wiatrak. After 5 years together, they were engaged. Just 6 months later, Kristine and Chris received unimaginable news — Kristine was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
She began treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, which became her second home. Kristine faced her worst nightmare without complaint. While in the hospital, she was a cheerleader for other patients during their struggles. She visited their rooms and rallied them with her radiant smile, her uncanny sense of humor, and her fighting spirit. Against all odds, she and Christopher were married on September 24, 1995.
Sadly, just months later, on December 14, 1995, Kristine passed away at just 27 years old. Before her journey came to an end, she requested that her family assist others facing cancer just as she had received so much financial and spiritual support from family, friends, and the community. Even after her death, her tremendous spirit of generosity lives on.
Rooted in forward-thinking and working together
More about Family Reach
Our Mission
Our Approach
Through comprehensive solutions and thoughtful collaborations, we’re attacking the issue of financial toxicity from a variety of angles for long-term systemic change.
Coming soon!
Our Impact
We’re constantly measuring our solutions to understand where our funds go and paint a clear picture of who we’re reaching, the impact of our services on cancer journeys, and opportunities for improvement.
Looking back on 25 years
Grab some tissues! Here’s a heartwarming look at the past, including some of the incredible families we’ve served and the generous supporters who embraced our mission along the way.
