“To have a child is to learn the depth and breath and beauty of unconditional love.
                                        -- Marilyn Valley
 

The Tara Ann Ralph Foundation (TARF) was formed as a result of the personal tragedy the Ralph family endured when their first born daughter, Tara Ann, died at the tender age of seven days, when she succumbed to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).  The next year their second daughter was born.  Although the disease is not hereditary, and neither infant was premature, she was also diagnosed with NEC.  After a three month hospital stay and endless medical procudures, their second daughter survived the illness.  The family’s grief for Tara Ann and their concern about her sister’s health was eased by the support of family and friends.  However, the Ralph’s health insurance did not cover all of the medical expenses.  Family and friends, as well as the medical community reached out to help them.

The foundation was established in memory of Tara Ann.  It is the mission of the foundation to assist families who are coping with childhood illness by alleviating some of the added financial burden they are sure to experience.