January is a month when people renew their commitments, set intentions, and create visions for the year ahead. The Joe Andruzzi Foundation is no exception; our Board of Directors and staff are dedicated to fulfilling our mission of supporting cancer patients in adhering to their treatment. We also focus on expanding our network of supporters and envision a future where each of our programs and initiatives has a unified corporate partner as its Presenting Sponsor.

One of my personal goals is to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of elderly cancer patients. Over the past 17 years, I have seen the world through the eyes of our social workers who apply on behalf of their patients for various programs, carefully reading the narratives. However, in the fall of 2025, my family experienced firsthand what it means to have an elderly parent receive a cancer diagnosis.

For those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting my mother-in-law, Mary Ann (affectionately known as Mrs. A.), she was diagnosed with liver cancer last fall and has recently received another cancer diagnosis unrelated to the first. Our family is blessed to have a supportive network caring for Mrs. A., but there are far too many individuals who do not have the same support. As one of Mrs. A.’s primary points of contact for her cancer care, it’s been challenging to consider the “what ifs” if she didn’t have our support.

To shed more light on the journey of elderly cancer patients, I have committed to participating in the 130th Boston Marathon. Over the coming months, I will share stories of individuals the Joe Andruzzi Foundation has worked with through our partnerships with over 100 cancer hospitals and centers, highlighting why we must do better for those who rely on us.

You have my word that everyone at JAF has renewed our commitment to serving our mission, creating new partnerships to further our work, and continuing to envision a world where no patient has to ask themselves if they can adhere to the treatment prescribed by their care team.

Thank you to each and every one of you for being part of our greater community. We have much work to do together in 2026. Let’s go!

With gratitude,
Jen Andruzzi

Removing Barriers to Treatment Through Extraordinary Support

Sometimes, during treatment, a cost can arise that becomes a barrier to treatment, and it can cause patients to cease their cancer care entirely.

In such instances, the Extraordinary Needs Program can be accessed to allow patients to receive assistance for one-time project-based needs, which allows them to continue treatment and have better health outcomes.

In 2025, JAF provided over $105,000 in grants through this program, to 50 cancer patients across all of New England. Alba was a Rhode Island resident who needed car repairs for her only mode of transportation to treatment, read her story here:

READ ALBA’S STORY

Save The Date

Joe Andruzzi Foundation “Shred, Sip & Support for New England Cancer Patients” Presented by Parababilis Medicine

Join the JAF for an afternoon of skiing/snowboarding, racing, and après-ski fun at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area on Saturday, February 28!

Whether you’re a seasoned skier/snowboarder, a first-timer, or just here for the party, this event is designed with flexible participation options so you can build the experience that’s right for you.

After a great afternoon on the slopes, keep the energy going with DJ Patty Mac at the Après Ski Party, with doors opening at 5:30PM.

Enjoy food, drinks, and prize give-a-ways!

Be on the look out – registration will open early next week!

Setting Intentions, Building Bridges

As a new year begins, many of us think about how we want to show up—not just for ourselves, but for others too.

For families facing cancer, there’s no reset button in January. Treatments continue. Household bills still arrive. What makes a real difference is steady, reliable support—knowing help will be there month after month.

That’s the role of our Bridge Builders. Through sustaining monthly gifts, Bridge Builders create a dependable bridge between crisis and stability, allowing JAF to step in quickly with financial assistance for essentials like rent, utilities, and groceries—so families can focus on healing, not hardship.

Each day, we see firsthand how transformational this commitment is. Monthly support ensures patients never face cancer alone and allows JAF to deliver help, hope, and a reason to smile all year long.

Three ways to deepen your impact:

Become a Bridge Builder and make a lasting difference every month
Join our private Bridge Builders LinkedIn Group [for current members] to stay connected and see your impact in action
Share your Bridge Builder story [for current members] through a short questionnaire to inspire others.

Thank you for being the bridge families can count on.

Save the Date: JAF Golf Returns to Black Rock Country Club

On Monday, June 8, 2026, the 18th Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament returns to the stunning Black Rock Country Club for a fun-filled day on a beautiful course—all for an incredible cause!

Our tournament brings supporters together for a memorable day of golf, camaraderie, and meaningful impact, raising critical funds and awareness for JAF’s mission to provide help, hope, and a reason to smile.

Sponsorships and Playing Options will be available to purchase starting February 23!

Want to make an impact now? Purchase a tee sign to be prominently displayed on the course.

Choose from:

Traditional tee signs featuring your company logo or name
“In Honor of” or “In Celebration of” tee signs to recognize a colleague, friend, or loved one—perfect for honoring someone special, celebrating a graduating senior, or recognizing Dad this Father’s Day

To reserve a tee sign, contact Gillian O’Brien at gillian@joeandruzzifoundation.org.

For more information about the day, contact Michelle at michelle@joeandruzzifoundation.org.

 We can’t wait to see you on the course!

GFC Marathon & Falmouth Road Race Recruitment

Golf Fights Cancer Golf Marathon – 100 Holes for a Cause! 

June 4-5, 2026 | Juniper Hills Golf Course, Northborough, MA

Think you can play 100 holes of golf in one day? You’d be surprised! With Joe Andruzzi as Team Captain, you’ll enjoy a fun-filled day of golf, food, and fundraising—who come together for a great cause. Golfers of all abilities welcome!

No handicap required—just a love of the game!
Learn insider tips to pace yourself and complete the challenge
Fundraising minimum: $4,000 per golfer ($2,000 for junior participants)

To learn more or to register, click the button below!

54th ASICS Falmouth Road Race – Run for Team JAF! 

August 16, 2026  

Join us for this iconic 7-mile race along the water in Falmouth, MA, or participate in the At-Home Edition from anywhere! We’re recruiting 40+ athletes of all abilities to run.

Charity Entry: $1,500 fundraising minimum (includes your bib)
Own Bib Entry (Lottery Winners & Falmouth Residents – OR – At-Home Edition): $500 fundraising minimum

Note: The At-Home Edition participation has changed from previous years. Please visit our website for more information.  To learn more or to register, click the button below:

Every step, every swing, and every dollar raised brings hope to cancer patients facing financial distress. Join us this season and help make a meaningful impact.

Champions Circle

Champions Circle brings together companies that are committed to helping neighbors, colleagues, and friends when they need it most.

Spotlight on Audio Video Intelligence

Audio Video Intelligence (AVI) delivers refined, cutting-edge technology solutions for homes and businesses. From elegant surround sound to fully integrated control systems managing lighting, music, home theater, cameras, and security from a single intuitive interface, every system is thoughtfully designed. Their expert team manages every detail from design and equipment selection to installation and ongoing white-glove support.

“We are proud to support JAF and deeply believe in their mission to help families and individuals facing the challenges of cancer. Having personally experienced the impact cancer can have on a family, we understand how critical support, compassion, and community are during these moments. We look forward to partnering with JAF and standing beside them in any way we can to help make a meaningful difference.” – Jim Shapiro.

Audio Video Intelligence’s mission is to deliver quality work and products. JAF is happy to shine a light on Jim Shapiro/AVI, a founding member of Champions Circle.