What started as a simple invitation quickly turned into a moment no one in the room will ever forget.
A group of 10 cancer patients and their families arrived expecting a casual meet-and-greet with Joe Andruzzi—a chance to say hello, share a smile, and spend time with someone who understands the journey they’re on. But what awaited them was something far more powerful: a reminder that they are seen, supported, and surrounded by a community that truly shows up when it matters most.
On April 16, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) had the incredible privilege of hosting a “Surprise & Delight” event at Sturdy Hospital—a morning filled with warmth, gratitude, and a few joyful tears. Together with longtime partners Stop & Shop and Poland Spring®, we brought patients, families, Team JAF Boston Marathon runners, and community partners together with one shared goal: easing the burden cancer places on everyday life.
Turning an Expectation into a Moment of Magic
Since 2023, Stop & Shop has partnered with JAF to provide a full calendar year of free groceries to a cancer patient—an essential lifeline during treatment, when finances are tight, and energy is scarce. But this year, we decided to do something different.
Instead of supporting one family, we wanted to spread the love further.
That idea turned into a room full of stunned smiles when Joe Andruzzi and Jen Andruzzi announced the surprise of the day: each patient family would receive a $1,000 Stop & Shop gift card, along with one full year of complimentary water delivery from Poland Spring®, delivered straight to their homes through its delivery service, Customer Direct.
Stories That Connect Us All
This event included heartfelt remarks from Joe Andruzzi, JAF Chief Engagement Officer, Jen Andruzzi, JAF CEO and President, Aimee Brewer, President and CEO of Sturdy Health, and Team JAF Boston Marathon runners David Santoro and John Ponte, who shared deeply personal reflections on how cancer has touched their lives—and why they run in support of JAF’s mission.
Representatives from Stop & Shop and Poland Spring® also spoke about their commitment to standing with cancer patients and families in meaningful, tangible ways. These partnerships go beyond logos and sponsorships—they’re about real people, real needs, and real impact.
“This partnership has grown into something incredibly meaningful for the families we serve,” said Jen Andruzzi, President and CEO of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. “When someone is in treatment, even a basic trip to the grocery store can become another source of stress. This support helps relieve that pressure in a real, immediate way, and it means so much to see these families surrounded by people and partners who genuinely want to help.”
A Gift to the Mission, Too
As if the day couldn’t hold any more generosity, JAF was also surprised and delighted by $25,000 donations from both Stop & Shop and Poland Spring®—support that will allow JAF to help more than 200 cancer patients and their families access food assistance through our Food Security Program.
More Than a Surprise—A Community
What these families thought would be a simple meet-and-greet became something much bigger: a moment of connection, compassion, and community. A reminder that even in the hardest moments, there are people—and partners—ready to lift you up.
At JAF, this is what Surprise & Delight is all about. And thanks to the unwavering support of Stop & Shop and Poland Spring®, we’re able to keep showing up.
See the full gallery of the day here
