(Up)Beat (Up)Date
Despite recent weather, it is officially spring! It is a beautiful time of renewal. JAF is taking a page from nature and getting out, meeting with our community, those we serve, and partners who believe in our mission as we prepare for another year of incredible impact for New England cancer patients and families!
You know it’s spring when thousands of people will take to the streets on April 15 to run 26.2 miles in the 128th Boston Marathon®. Team JAF is proud to have 22 inspiring, amazing, dedicated runners on the course this year (see the complete list here)! I am honored to be counted among them again for my sixth marathon! You could say I’m renewing my commitment to JAF’s mission by challenging my mind and body and fundraising in honor of an extraordinary cancer warrior close to the JAF family.
We invite all of you to renew your connection to JAF this year! Come to an event, host an event, become a Bridge Builder or Champion, donate to a runner, or partner with JAF to help cancer patients access treatment and focus on their health. Read on to see how JAF is renewing hope for cancer patients and how you can get involved!
Sincerely,
Jen Andruzzi
President and CEO
Colon Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide according to the World Health Organization. While colorectal cancer was previously thought to be an issue for those 50 years or older, there has been a drastic increase in cases in those in their 20s and 30s. Colorectal cancer cases for this age group are expected to raise 90% by 2030.*
JAF is already seeing both the increase in colorectal cancer cases as well as the median age decrease reflected in our applicants. JAF saw a 21% increase in applications from New England colorectal cancer patients from 2022 to 2023, and the average age of these recipients decreased from 59 to 56 in that same timeframe.
Doctors recommend preventative screening for anyone over the age of 45. Additionally, you should be aware of your family history- if you have a sibling, parent, or child who has had polyps, screening should begin 10 years prior*.
*Aubrey, Allison “Colorectal Cancer is Rising Among Gen X, Y, & Z. Here are 5 Ways to Protect Yourself” , NPR, March 20, 2023, https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/03/20/1163697875/colon-cancer-signs-screening-young-adult#:~:text=Statistically%2C%20people%20in%20their%2020s,at%20Dana%20Farber%20Cancer%20Center
Patient Profile: Meet Dan
A member of the Air Force, a chemist, and now a colon cancer survivor, Dan was never planning on adding that last title to his life’s story, but cancer arrived at his doorstep in early 2023. A man who was physically fit with no family history of cancer found himself needing all his strength to pursue treatment and stay afloat financially. Through the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s Assistance Programs, he found help when he needed it the most.
JAF Advocacy for Massachusetts Cancer Patients on Beacon Hill
On Thursday, March 14, the Massachusetts State Senate recognized the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) for its nearly 16 years of advocacy and support of cancer patients throughout the Commonwealth. Hosted by State Senator Paul Feeney (D-Bristol and Norfolk), Joe and Jen Andruzzi were officially presented with a citation during the Senate’s formal session. Joining them were JAF’s Chief Development and Public Affairs Officer Danielle Fish and Associate Director of Patient and Family Assistance Shannon Gallanty, who met with legislators about the issues and needs of cancer patients in their communities. Special thanks to Senator Feeney, Senator Mike Rodrigues, Chair of both the Senate and Joint Ways and Means Committees, Senators Brendan Crighton and Walter Timilty, and State Representative Jeff Roy for attending and listening to the needs of cancer patients in our communities and working together to provide much-needed help.
2024 GOLF TOURNAMENT
There are still opportunities to participate in the 16th Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament presented by Frankie’s International Bistro/Apotho Therapeutics on June 10, 2024, at Black Rock Country Club.
Want a chance to play? There are a few sponsorship opportunities left that include golf foursomes. Contact Nicole Anderson at nicole@joeandruzzifoundation.org if interested!
Not a golfer, but still want to participate? Purchase a tee sign to showcase your business or to honor a loved one, or purchase a dinner ticket to join us for a cocktail reception and dinner after our golfers return to the clubhouse! For more information on tee signs and dinner tickets, please contact Erica Mancini at erica@joeandruzzifoundtion.org
Coming Soon: Helicopter Ball Drop, Chance Raffle, and our Silent Auction!
This year’s auction includes great concerts, a Solo Stove, incredible opportunities to see the Red Sox, and so much more! If you have been wishing you had tickets to Noah Kahan’s sold out show at Fenway Park this July, we have two (2) tickets calling your name! Check out the JAF newsletter and follow us on social to see when the silent auction will go live!
Hometown Hop Over with JAF!
Join us on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Station One by Shovel Town Brewery in Foxborough, MA for our Hometown Hop Over Presented by North Easton Savings Bank and hosted by the entire staff at JAF! Held in the beautifully renovated former Foxborough fire station, this will surely be a fun night out. Enjoy locally produced, artisanal craft-brewed beverages, complimentary light bites, music by Timmy Brown, and sweet treats by local bakers Sweetness and Honey and Ally’s Cookies of Foxborough! Proceeds will support JAF’s mission to provide help, hope, and a reason to smile to New England cancer patients and family members.
Team JAF: Call For Runners!
Team JAF is looking for athletes of all abilities to participate in two iconic summertime road races!
BANKNEWPORT 10 Miler (June 2, 2024) – 10-mile race along the beautiful Rhode Island seacoast finishing at the north gate at Fort Adams.
ASICS FALMOUTH ROAD RACE (August 18, 2024) – 7-mile road race along the seacoast of Falmouth, MA, or choose the virtual component. Don’t miss out on this soon-to-be SOLD OUT race!
Champions Circle Members Provide Help When It’s Needed Most
The Good News.
Many advances in cancer treatment and novel therapies have steadily improved survival following a cancer diagnosis. According to University of Pennsylvania oncologist Ezekiel J. Emanuel, cancer death rates have declined by 27% over the past 20 years.
The Not so Good News.
By one estimate, the average cost of medical care and drugs is more than $42,000 in the year following a cancer diagnosis. And, up to 85% of cancer patients leave the workforce during their treatment and their family members also lose income and experience out-of-pocket costs.
JAF Knows This. So do JAF’s Champions Circle members.
With your support, JAF has been able to help thousands of patients who are coping with cancer’s negative impacts. JAF support makes a difference in their lives by providing a bridge to financial stability and to emotional relief!
Welcome, Dumpster Depot as a Champions Circle Super Bowl Sponsor!
Thank you for believing in JAF’s mission and our work to remove financial barriers for cancer patients.
JAF recognizes and thanks the following companies for their ongoing Champions Circle membership:
Amplix
Hillview Autobody, Inc
Landmark Medical Center
Tele-Networks
To enroll in Champions Circle or to renew your membership, visit JAF’s website or email barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Business Owners: Become a JAF Sponsor and Help More New England Cancer Patients
Partnering on a JAF event will help provide direct support to local cancer patients while offering excellent brand recognition for your business. JAF’s annual events generate the most fundraising revenue, host broad audiences, and offer a variety of corporate sponsorship opportunities.
Now available –
Presenting Sponsor, Team JAF’s Falmouth Road Team – This exclusive opportunity offers high visibility on marketing materials, website, race day signage, and logo placement on over 40 runners’ singlets. Check out our website to learn more about this iconic race happening on August 18, 2024. (learn more HERE)
JAF 2024 Annual Gala – JAF will return to Gillette Stadium this October for our most exciting event of the year! The Gala is being reimagined with the help of our event partners at The Castle Group and will highlight the spectacular new G-P Atrium, nestled within the stadium’s signature lighthouse. As we continue to put the final touches on what promises to be an unforgettable homecoming, we invite you to secure your sponsorship early!
Together, we can ensure our family and friends can access and complete potentially life-saving treatment. See our full list of sponsorship opportunities HERE or reach out to Nicole Anderson at nicole@joeandruzzifoundation.org.