On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil predicted that we would experience six more weeks of winter. For those of us living on the East Coast, this became evident as we just experienced one of the largest winter storms ever. While the groundhog didn’t share any promising news this February, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation certainly did by highlighting the 2025 program impacts we collectively made in an email sent on Valentine’s Day.
As we continue to count down the weeks of winter, it’s essential to connect with one another. Isolation during these cold days can lead to anxiety and depression. Human connection is the greatest gift we can give or receive. Even a simple message like, “Hi, I just wanted to let you know I’m thinking about you,” can make a meaningful difference.
Please continue reading the JAF February E-newsletter, as there is an extremely important message about cancer prevention. Cancer does not discriminate. We all must listen to our bodies, schedule routine exams and tests, and encourage our family members and friends to do the same.
With gratitude,
Jen
National Cancer Prevention Month
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a cause very close to the heart of JAF. It is estimated that up to 40% of cancer cases in the United States can be prevented by lifestyle modifications.
Cancer diagnoses caught earlier have higher survival rates, and it is important to look for changes within your body that may indicate something significant may be going on. Read JAF recipient George’s story about how he advocated for himself after being told his symptoms were most likely due to minor sicknesses.
Get Ready for Golf 2026
Excitement is building for the 18th Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament, taking place on Monday, June 8, 2026, at beautiful Black Rock Country Club — and there are many ways to get involved!
Golf Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship packages with foursomes are currently available.
Tee Signs
Make your support will be visible on the course all day:
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Traditional – display your company logo or name
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“In Honor of” or “In Celebration of” – honor a loved one, celebrate a graduating senior, or recognize Dad this Father’s Day
Dinner Tickets
Join golfers and supporters at the post-tournament Cocktail and Dinner Reception for fun, delicious food and drinks, and a brief program.
Don’t miss out on this special day! For more information, please reach out to Michelle at michelle@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
First Hop Over of 2026
We are kicking off the 2026 Hop Over series by returning to Haven Beer Company in Hamden, CT, on Saturday, March 7!
Join Co-Founders Jen and Joe Andruzzi and the entire JAF team for delicious drinks and food! Proceeds will support JAF’s mission.
Haven Beer Company
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Address: 2323 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT 06518
Tickets:
$50 Ticket (21+)
$15 Ticket (Under 21)
Kids 5 and under FREE!
Ticket Includes:
One (1) beverage token (to be used on Beer or wine; non-alcoholic beverages for under 21)
Delicious light bites provided by Haven Beer Company
Spread the News: Become a 401Gives Street Team Member
As 401Gives approaches, we’re inviting Rhode Islanders to help spread the word and make an even bigger impact for local cancer patients.
We’re building JAF’s 401 Gives Street Team—a group of passionate supporters who help promote JAF’s program impacts in the Ocean State. Getting involved is easy and fun.
As a 401Gives Street Team member, you might:
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Share JAF posts, campaigns, and appeals with your personal network
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Like, share, and repost JAF content on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn)
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Help amplify key moments during 401Gives (March 31-April 1)
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Serve as a local voice for JAF’s mission—no fundraising experience required
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Host a peer-to-peer fundraiser, turning a birthday, milestone, or special occasion into support for families facing cancer
There’s no long-term commitment—just a willingness to help us reach more Rhode Island families when it matters most. What’s more, we’ll provide all the training and tools you’ll need as well as a small token of our appreciation.
If interested, Sign up here or contact Jeff LaValley, Senior Annual Giving Manager by calling (508) 261-0630, ext. 307, or emailing Jeff@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Third Party
This February, two wonderful fundraisers were held, raising more than $6,500 to support JAF programs.
A huge thank you to the Curley family and their friends, who organized a heartfelt fundraising event earlier this month and raised over $5,000! This cause is especially meaningful to the Curleys, as their son Nolan is currently fighting bravely.
We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Exeter High School Girls Hockey Team in New Hampshire for hosting their second annual Project 800 fundraiser. Held on Valentine’s Day this year, this special game raised awareness of local families who are coping with cancer and vital funds to support them.
Bridge Builder Spotlight: Brendan Beauregard
Brendan Beauregard knows firsthand the impact of cancer on families. Having watched both his father and brother navigate difficult cancer journeys, he understands the financial and emotional toll a diagnosis can take. “No one should have to worry about how they’re going to get food on the table or keep the lights on during a cancer journey,” Brendan says.
Brendan first learned about the Joe Andruzzi Foundation through stories of its early years—a connection that inspired him to work with the Foundation and become a monthly Bridge Builder donor. He cites the joy and hope that Joe and Jen bring to patients as motivation for his own enthusiasm: “If anyone gets the opportunity to see the interactions Jen and, particularly, Joe have with patients, that’s all the influence you need to make that decision.”
For Brendan, being a Bridge Builder means bringing that same hope to others facing cancer. “There is always hope, even during a cancer diagnosis, and no one should have to face it alone.”
If you’d like to share why you are a Bridge Builder, please do so by completing our brief questionnaire.
