Local family helped by employer and community

Newton — Twenty years ago, newlyweds Dan and Maureen Snellen were busy planning their family. They would have a couple of kids, then maybe adopt a few more and build a nice home for their family in Northwest New Jersey and live happily ever after. Things didn’t quite work out as planned. Their four beautiful children came to them, although not quite in the order above. After six years of not being able to have their own children, the couple decided to adopt. Daughter Samantha, now thirteen and son Jake, now 11, joined the family in their two-bedroom Newton home. Seven years later, according to Maureen, “My early wishes were granted and I became pregnant with Shane, now four.” Three years later, along came Kelsey. To make room for the kids, Dan created a bedroom in the attic for Samantha. That’s when fate intervened. During a visit to Disney World with the kids, Dan was bothered by a pain in his side. The pain was later diagnosed as Stage III colon cancer. That was four years ago, between the births of the younger children. Both the disease and numerous chemotherapy treatments have taken their toll on Dan’s energy level and the family budget. Dan is employed as a Parts Consultant for Ayers Chevrolet in Dover. He has now been with the company for over 17 years. According to his boss, Dave Marrash, “Dan is one of the hardest working people in the company. He loves his job and except for his chemo treatment days, Dan rarely is absent from work. Our customers and his co-workers love him. He is one of those guys who will go out of his way to help someone.” Ayers has established the Dan Snellen Benefit and will be running a series of events to generate some much needed funds for the family. The first event will be a Golf Outing out at Bear Brook Golf Course in Fredon on June 24. Golfers and friends of Dan Snellen are encouraged to register for the event, which includes lunch, reception and dinner in addition to eighteen holes of challenging golf on this highly touted course. The event will also include opportunities for local organizations to sponsor such things as lunch, dinner and refreshments and individuals can sponsor individual holes. In addition, dinner that evening is open to anyone interest in participating. For registration forms or more information, contact Marrash at 973-366-1234 ext. 135 or parts@ayerschevyolds.com. Checks may be written to the Dan Snellen Benefit, Inc. and mailed in care of Ayers Chevrolet, One Route 46, Dover, NJ 07801.