Over the past three months, JAF has highlighted the importance of showing up when it matters most, a core belief of ours.
Each day gives us an opportunity to be our best selves, even if that means a small act. As we approach the July 4th holiday with barbecues, fireworks, and laughter, we also remember July 6, the second anniversary of Michael Lombardo’s passing. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and the founder of Glidefast Consulting.
Michael’s legacy of love and support continues through his family and the Lombardo Legacy Fund, which aids single-parent households. Recently, the Lombardo and DeSilva families surprised a special patient and her children with the JAF team at Evviva—check out the reel on our social media pages!
At JAF, we commit to showing up for patients and families every day. If you haven’t contributed to our Annual Fund Spring Campaign yet, please consider making a gift today in honor of someone special who has shown up for YOU.
With gratitude,
Jen
Cancer Survivor’s Day Celebration
On Cancer Survivors’ Day, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation joined survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates at Smilow Cancer Hospital at St. Francis in Hartford, Connecticut, for a special annual celebration.
A beautiful sunny day filled with smiles, this day honored the strength and resilience of those impacted by cancer. Co-Founder and Chief Engagement Officer, Joe Andruzzi, shared his personal cancer journey and spoke on JAF’s mission to provide help, hope, and financial relief to patients and families facing the challenges that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.
Throughout the event, Joe and members of the JAF team had the opportunity to connect with survivors and their loved ones. Reflecting on the experience, Joe shared, “Number one, inspirational, and number two, great to meet our JAF recipients and hear those two words: thank you.”
The celebration also featured inspiring stories from several survivors, including Courtney Nadeau of Courtney & KISS in the Morning on KISS 95.7, as well as Kimberly Wood and Ollie-Rubiah Oliver. Their experiences served as a reminder of the courage and perseverance found within the cancer community.
This event was a meaningful tribute to survivors and a reminder that no one should face cancer alone.
Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament
On June 8, supporters gathered at the beautiful Black Rock Country Club in Hingham, MA for the 18th Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament, raising more than $319,000 to support cancer patients and families throughout New England.
The day was filled with great golf, camaraderie, and competition, but remained firmly rooted in purpose. Golfers took part in our inaugural Adopt-A-Family Challenge, an on-course giving experience that brought to life the realities faced by families navigating cancer. Paired with a powerful Mission Moment featuring JAF recipient Renee and her family, the challenge inspired more than $55,000 in donations, helping provide critical support for housing, food, transportation to treatment, and other essential needs.
This success would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, supporters, volunteers, and golfers. Special thanks to Bob’s Discount Furniture, our Presenting Sponsor; the Derenzo Charitable Foundation, our Mission Sponsor; and DraftKings, our Chance Sponsor, for their leadership and commitment to our mission.
We are also grateful to our in-kind partners whose contributions helped elevate the tournament experience while maximizing the funds raised for patients and families. A special thank you to our at-home participants, whose enthusiastic bidding on auction items brought even more energy and excitement to the day. Each of you played a vital role in making this tournament a tremendous success.
Most importantly, thank you to every golfer, donor, volunteer, and supporter who joined us. Because of you, cancer patients throughout New England will receive the financial assistance they need to focus on treatment, recovery, and what matters most.
For a full recap, read our blog here:
On Sale Now: 2026 Average Joe’s Golf Classic
Join us on Monday, October 19 at Segregansett Country Club for an unforgettable day on one of Massachusetts’ most historic courses.
Golf spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sponsorship opportunities, including foursomes and dinner-only tickets, are available too.
Don’t wait—secure your spot today!
Questions?
Tournament or Platform Issues: Michelle at michelle@joeandruzzifoudation.org.
Sponsorships: Gillian at gillian@joeandruzzifoudation.org
Golf Fights Cancer Golf Marathon
On June 4, we were proud to have more than eight dedicated golfers represent the Joe Andruzzi Foundation at the Golf Fights Cancer Golf Marathon at Juniper Hills Golf Course.
Thanks to the commitment of our golfers—Team FCC (Chris Checksfield and Joe DeStefano), Team Davidson (Mike, Toni, and Maddie Davidson), Eric Gallanty, Elaine Gebhardt, and Christopher Law—and the incredible generosity of their supporters, Team JAF raised more than $48,000 to help New England cancer patients and their families.
We are deeply grateful to Golf Fights Cancer for once again selecting JAF as a partnering charity and for their continued commitment to making a difference in the lives of families facing cancer!
Also, a special thank you to New Balance for generously outfitting our golfers and helping them represent Team JAF in style throughout this incredible event.
Interested in learning more about the Golf Marathon, contact Molly Kate Donnelly at Mollykate@joeandruzzifoundation.org
Creating Your Legacy Of Hope
Have you ever wondered how you can continue supporting cancer patients and families long into the future? Our newest blog, Leaving a Legacy of Hope, kicks off a series exploring simple ways to include the Joe Andruzzi Foundation in your long-term charitable plans.
In this first installment, we discuss one of the easiest and most popular options: leaving a gift to JAF through your will or estate plans. Learn how a legacy gift can help ensure that when cancer is present, JAF shows up for generations to come. Read the full blog on our website!
Bridge Builders Spotlight
Bridge Builder Spotlight: Cheryl and Dan King
Bridge Builders Since April 2025
When Cheryl King’s husband, Dan, was diagnosed with cancer during COVID in 2020, he had to take a leave from work, and the Joe Andruzzi Foundation provided financial assistance to help Chery’l family during a difficult time.
“We first learned about JAF through our medical team at Dana-Farber, who let us know that assistance was available while my husband was in treatment.”
“We were so grateful for the help we received that we wanted to pay it forward.” Becoming Bridge Builders gave Cheryl and Dan a way to do that.
“Being a Bridge Builder means a lot to us because it makes us happy to know that we can help others who are going through a difficult time.”
Share Your Story. We’d love to hear what inspired you to become a Bridge Builder and support the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. Help us highlight the incredible impact of our community by completing our brief questionnaire here.
Champion Circle Spotlight
Little Rhody Foods and the Joe Andruzzi Foundation have been partners since 2020—what started as a one-year partnership is now in its seventh year! Committed to helping patients and families with non-medical bills, Little Rhody Foods generously donates part of the proceeds from the sale of its large-sized Little Rhody Natural Eggs. These eggs can be found in large grocery chains as well as small, local stores throughout Rhode Island.
Henry and Miriam Berkowitz immigrated to America in 1949 to seek the American dream. In a few short years, they founded The Berkowitz Egg Farm, which grew through the years and was passed down to Henry and Miriam’s sons, Eli and Ralph.
Nestled amongst the trees of rural Foster, RI, the company has grown and is now known as Little Rhody Foods (LRF). LRF has become known not only for its Rhode Island eggs, but also as a purveyor of premium, local foods. As proud owners, Eli and Ralph follow the same principles as their father: hard work, strong ambition and impeccable customer service.
JAF is so proud to be in partnership with Little Rhody Foods, an exceptional company that consistently demonstrates commitment to community.
Champions Circle brings together companies that are committed to helping neighbors, colleagues, and friends when they need it most.