JAF’s (Up)Beat events exist to bring so much joy to families who are working through the challenges that cancer can bring about, and this year’s Codzilla was no different.
On Thursday, July 24, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation welcomed 85 New England cancer patients and their families for a thrilling ride on Boston Harbor City Cruises’ Codzilla. For the day, families were able to leave their worries behind and enjoy a fun experience while spending time with one another.
Everyone arrived bright and early, eagerly waiting to board the speedboat. The smiles from the dock turned into laughs and cheers once the boat picked up speed. The laughs only grew louder as the humorous tour guide told the tale of “Codzilla”. Many people thought they spotted a mystical “Codzilla” in the water but were relieved to see it was a friendly seal popping up to greet everybody!
Emmet, a pediatric patient, and his family were along for the ride that morning. Lindsay, Emmet’s mother, said, “We had such a great day and it was so nice to be able to break up his [Emmet’s] treatment day the way we did.” After the ride, they went on to enjoy time at the New England Aquarium after Emmet was done with treatment for the day.
Back at the dock, everybody gathered for a catered lunch from Panera by the water. Families spent time meeting Joe and posing for pictures with his legendary Super Bowl rings. After lunch, families got the chance to explore the city of Boston and visit the New England Aquarium courtesy of JAF.
It was at lunch that Joe met Zaida Suriel and Marquis Holmes, two New England cancer patients whose stories have a unique connection. Zaida and Marquis both have daughters that are good friends, having met through dance class. Neither family knew that the other was going through treatment for cancer until they both showed up for Codzilla. The two families were so surprised to see each other and were able to bond over their cancer journeys and connections to JAF. Codzilla and all JAF’s (Up)Beat Events provide a fun break from the challenges of cancer, but they also foster a strong and vibrant community.
JAF wants to thank all the patients and families that made the trip into the city to attend the event, as well as our friends at Boston Harbor City Cruises for their longtime support of our Foundation and mission.
There’s no sight quite like watching Codzilla pull out of the harbor, embarking on its adventure. Families were waving and kids were laughing, not even being drenched with water could ruin the fun. Patients and their families got to spend quality time together, surrounded by laughter and an overwhelming sense of hope.
