(Up)Beat (Up)Date
Happy New Year!
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) team is full of hope and promise for 2023! We are incredibly grateful to our Board of Directors, who have just approved our annual budget. This year’s fiscal budget includes a 22% increase in our Programs Department funding for patients and their families throughout New England. A portion of those funds will go to supporting Transportation Assistance as we enter year two of our partnership with Lyft, and the need for patients to have access to transportation for rides to and from treatment has grown post the pandemic (currently in MA only). I am most thrilled about JAF preparing to unveil a new tool for cancer patients in line with our mission of removing financial barriers to treatment and giving families somewhere to turn for support.
JAF’s ability to reduce financial stress for cancer patients so they can access treatment has never been stronger.
This positive momentum is welcome as it wasn’t that long ago in 2022 that JAF had to temporarily close our Financial Assistance Application Portal (Food Security remained open) due to overwhelming need (the first time since our inception in 2008) and the recent announcement that extra COVID-19 federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are stopping in February, leaving another void in financial resources for so many.
We hope that each of you enjoy reading this month’s (Up)Beat (Up)Date and will choose to join us in 2023 to help cancer patients worry less about household expenses and have the ability and dignity to access and adhere to treatment.
Sincerely,
Jen Andruzzi
President and CEO
SOMETHING SPECIAL NEXT MONTH!
As our Valentine to you, JAF is replacing our February e-newsletter with an extra special (Up)Beat (Up)Date dedicated to the positive impact we made TOGETHER in 2022! The patient stories are going to melt your heart and hearing how your contributions make a difference for cancer patients will be sweeter than a box of chocolates!
Patients Have Incredible Night at Disney on Ice
On Saturday, January 7, nine patient recipients and their families gathered for a JAF (Up)Beat event at the XL Center in Hartford, CT, to watch Disney on Ice! The families enjoyed plenty of popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy as they sang along classic Disney tunes like “Let It Go” and “Hakuna Matata.”
JAF’s (Up)Beat Opportunities allow patients and their families to spend time away from treatment and enjoy special occasions, experiences, and outings. In the last year, thanks to the Randi Friedman Wellness Program, we have expanded opportunities to include new support services for patients such as yoga, pilates, meditation apps, and more.
JAF looks to create another magical (Up)Beat trip when Disney on Ice heads to the TD Garden in Boston, MA, on February 25. If you are a patient recipient looking to register for tickets or participate in future events, please contact Katie Haidemenos at katie@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Introducing Team JAF’s 2023 Boston Marathon Runners
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) is thrilled to announce our team of 18 dedicated athletes participating in the 127th Boston Marathon as members of Team JAF! Runners will take to the starting line on Monday, April 17, representing Team JAF and bringing awareness to the Foundation’s mission.
This group recently got together on the bowling lanes of Splitsville in Foxborough, MA, to kick off the marathon season and has already raised more than $100,000 for JAF!
Click the red button below to make a general donation to the team, learn more about each runner, or support their individual fundraising efforts. Also, be on the lookout for more Team JAF photos, videos, and stories highlighting our team on social media leading up to Marathon Monday (search #TeamJAF).
Do You Want to Run for Team JAF? Save the Dates for Upcoming Events!
10th Annual BankNewport 10 Miler – Sunday, June 4, 2023
51st ASICS Falmouth Road Race – Sunday, August 20, 2023
If you would like to be placed on our interested runners list to be notified when the applications become available, please email Gillian O’Brien at gillian@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
P.S. Check out our new Team JAF Sponsorship opportunities for 2023! For more information about how you or your company can get involved, please contact Barbara Foley at barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Wanted: Creative, Clever, and Fun Supporters!
Did you know that in 2022, individuals and organizations raised more than $350,000 for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation?
Community fundraising events help JAF increase awareness of our mission throughout New England. Additionally, these events raise critical funds to support the Foundation in providing financial assistance to local cancer patients and their families during the most stressful time of their lives.
Each year, JAF is amazed and humbled at the creativity and success of our supporters who plan, organize, and staff amazing events. We are looking for new fundraisers to join us this year alongside some of our favorite annual third-party events! Will you be the next host of a fun run, indoor golf or pickleball tournament, craft show, basketball shootout, or something we have never seen before?
Ideas and initiatives can range from lemonade stands to 100+ person golf tournaments. To host an event in 2023 to support JAF, please visit the link below or contact Gillian O’Brien at gillian@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Huddle Up with Fellow Champions
JAF’s business giving society, Champions Circle, recognizes local companies and business leaders committed to supporting New England cancer patients and their families through their annual gift to JAF. Champions Circle members are vital to JAF as their support funds financial assistance grants that help patients.
The Foundation is happy to announce that JAF and its Champions Circle members will host quarterly events to bring companies together to network and learn about each other’s businesses while highlighting JAF’s efforts. To become a Champion or to host an event at your business, please get in touch with Barbara Foley at barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Start 2023 by Providing Hope for Cancer Patients
Just as a bridge is built piece by piece with many hands, monthly contributions from members of JAF’s Bridge Builders help patients cross difficult financial bridges. Bridge Builders provide JAF with steady, reliable funding that is granted to cancer patients so they can stay in their homes, keep the heat on, put food on the table, and safely get to their treatment appointments. Your contribution helps with everyday expenses, taking away one less worry for patients and families on their cancer journey.
Will you join JAF in removing barriers for cancer patients to access treatment in 2023? With automated monthly payments set at amounts just right for you, becoming a Bridge Builder has never been easier and more impactful for helping for those in need. For more information, contact Sandy Clinton at sandy@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Young Professionals, What Inspires You to Give Back?
Are you or know someone between the ages of 21 and 30 who have just embarked on your professional career? JAF would love to hear from you!
The Foundation has created a survey inquiring young professionals about their philanthropic giving, asking the question – what moves you to give back to charitable organizations like JAF? The survey takes only four minutes to complete.
As a way of expressing our gratitude for taking part in the survey, respondents completing the survey and who provide their name and email have a chance to win JAF swag!
Support JAF While at Wachusett This Season
Heading to the slopes this winter? Check out Wachusett Mountain in Massachusetts. From now until the end of the season, use coupon code DON-JANDF when getting your lift tickets to designate $10 of your purchase to help cancer patients of New England through JAF.
