(Up)Beat (Up)Date
Wow! It has been quite a month at the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF). Through the support and help of so many, JAF raised needed funds as part of Rhode Island’s 401Gives campaign, participated in the Newport Night Run, helped a cancer patient receive a year’s worth of groceries and water, officially launched UniCORN (check it out HERE), had 23 runners – including me! – run (walk for me) the Boston Marathon®, and we just held a Hometown Hop Over, partnering with many local businesses. We are so GRATEFUL for everyone involved in these activities because your contributions allow JAF to be here when New England cancer patients need us most.
You would think this would be enough, but we have one more very special programming milestone to celebrate next week. Stay tuned for the big announcement!
Amidst this April excitement, our visit to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston as part of our UniCORN launch moved me immensely. It allowed me to be in the moment to reflect and remind myself of the impact this foundation has on patients, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals. Sometimes, the ‘noise’ and fast pace of our everyday lives can drown out our work’s true meaning and value. I was reminded in the most beautiful way of JAF’s value and purpose when I needed it most. You can read more about my day HERE.
Joe and I look forward to sharing more mission moments with you this year and working to change outcomes for cancer patients right here in our communities.
Sincerely,
Jen Andruzzi
President and CEO
UpBeat Events: Twice the Thrills in April
Thanks to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s (JAF) partnership with the Regan Communications Group and Feld Entertainment, five Connecticut families attended Monster Jam and five Massachusetts families went to the Ringling Brothers Circus during the past few weeks.
On March 23rd, Connecticut patients and families traveled to Hartford to enjoy the loud, action-packed show of monster trucks flipping and crashing to compete against each other. One patient shared, “I knew my son would absolutely love it, and my daughter was just as happy! It was a blast for all of us. Turns out space to scream your head off feels pretty darn good.”
On April 6th, Massachusetts patients traveled to Agganis Arena in Boston for the Ringling Brothers Circus to enjoy a cast of performers from 18 different countries fly through the sky on the trapeze, get shot out of a rocket, and so much more thrilling entertainment. A patient recipient shared, “We had a blast!! It was the first time that my daughters had been to a circus!! The show was incredible, and we had amazing seats! I just started a new chemo treatment, and it’s been a hard few weeks for my family. This was such a special surprise! Thank you again so much.”
JAF UpBeat Events allow patients and their families to participate in activities to reduce stress and create more positive memories together.
Supermarket Surprise for JAF Patient Recipient!
On April 10, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) joined forces with our partners at Stop and Shop and Poland Spring ® Natural Spring Water to surprise cancer patient Christina Kincey and her family at the Stop and Shop in Dedham with a year’s worth of groceries and Poland Spring® water!
“We basically cut our income in half [due to the cancer diagnosis],” shared Kincey. “This is huge. We are a big family and now we can relax and have our meals together without worrying how we’ll pay for them.”
Kincey, who thought she was participating in a talk with JAF on the costs of cancer treatment before the surprise, has been undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer and was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer. A wife and mother of three, the challenges of ongoing treatment placed a considerable strain on her family, both emotionally and financially.
In addition to the heartwarming surprise, both Stop & Shop and Poland Spring® each presented the Joe Andruzzi Foundation with a $25,000 donation, reflecting their ongoing commitment to community support and the fight against cancer. The generous $50,000 donation will significantly bolster JAF’s mission to provide financial assistance to New England cancer patients, helping them cover essential living expenses during their treatment. Stop & Shop’s commitment to the community and its fight against cancer is well-documented, as is the dedication of Poland Spring® to supporting local causes and wellness initiatives.
JAF is incredibly thankful to our partners at Stop and Shop and Blue Triton/Poland Spring ® Natural Spring Water for their generosity, as well as Sturdy Health President Aimee Brewer and the oncology care team who attended to support Christina.
Joe Andruzzi Foundation Receives $500,000 Donation as Part of Hale Family $26.2 Million Giving Effort Tied to the Boston Marathon
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation is thrilled to announce that we are one of 72 organizations who received a donation from Rob Hale and his wife, Karen, as part of a $26.2 million giving effort tied to the Boston Marathon. Hale, co-founder and President of Granite Telecommunications LLC, ran the marathon for the first time on April 15.
The Foundation is incredibly grateful for the continued support of Rob and Karen Hale in our work to provide New England cancer patients with hope and dignity as they face a cancer diagnosis. Their donation will ensure our organization remains strong and able to answer the call of our healthcare partners who identify patients needing help with everyday household expenses while in treatment.\
In his email to JAF (and other charities just moments after he cross the finish line himself!), Hale stated: “Recognizing the immense impact the fabled Marathon has had on our proud city, we are humbled to be able to make these gifts to wonderful organizations throughout our region that support our community. Please take and use this gift to further your vital mission. Together we make Boston Strong.”
It’s Almost Time FORE Golf
The 16th Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament, presented by Frankie’s International Bistro/Apotho Therapeutics, will return to Black Rock Country Club on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Looking for ways to participate? Becoming a Tee Sign Sponsor is an excellent opportunity for a business or family to support the Joe Andruzzi Foundation and get recognized on the course.
Not a golfer, but want to join us at Black Rock? Dinner tickets are available and include a cocktail reception, silent auction, short program, and buffet dinner. Want to get in on the fun? Participate in our tournament games and auction – Helicopter Ball Drop, Chance Prize Drawing, and Silent Auction – Coming Soon!
2024 Gala Sponsorships Now Available
JAF is excited to announce we are returning to Gillette Stadium in October for our Annual Gala, allowing guests to experience one of Gillette’s newest venues – the G-P Atrium, located in the newly-built lighthouse. As our event team continues to reimagine all the fabulous event details, corporate sponsors can lock in their participation now!
You Can Partner in JAF’s Mission Programming:
If your organization is looking to elevate or expand its corporate social responsibility in New England, JAF offers a variety of impactful patient programming. Each one of our assistance areas has been reporting record numbers of applications and will require additional resources so that JAF can continue to say ‘yes’ to those in need. Consider committing your organization to JAF’s mission through our patient programs, which help local patients and families as they face a cancer diagnosis.
To learn more about our event and program sponsorship opportunities, please contact our VP of Foundations and Corporate Partnerships, Nicole Anderson, at Nicole@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Team JAF: Call for Athletes
Marathon and road race season is in full swing, and the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) is currently recruiting athletes of all abilities to join Team JAF!
11th Annual BankNewport 10 Miler, Sunday, June 2, 2024
Held in Newport, RI, the BankNewport 10 Miler highlights the City by the Sea and offers water stops approximately every two miles. The course has a total elevation gain of roughly 350 feet over rolling hills. Ten bibs are available!
REGISTER FOR BANK NEWPORT HERE
52nd ASICS Falmouth Road Race, Sunday, August 18, 2024
Be a part of one of the premier running events of the summer season! There are two ways you can participate: walk or run the At-Home (virtual component) on August 10 – 17, 2024, or run the traditional in-person race through scenic Falmouth, MA, on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Spots are filling up quickly, so register today!
REGISTER FOR ASICS FALMOUTH ROAD RACE HERE
2024 Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, Team 26.2 Relay and Charity 5K, Saturday, October 19, 2024
The Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon offer four ways to participate and enjoy an iconic finish line under the Arch. This beloved road race delivers a top-notch experience with the highest safety and security for race participants, volunteers, spectators, and the community.
Our application will be available soon! To be placed on our interested runner list and be notified when the application is live, please email Teresa@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
2024 Team JAF Boston Marathon® Runners: Champions for Cancer Patients
On April 15, 2024, 23 determined athletes crossed the starting line in Hopkinton, MA, representing the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) in the 128th Boston Marathon® presented by Bank of America.
We are incredibly grateful for our athletes’ hard work and dedication as well as the generosity of their donors and supporters. Together, this group raised more than $308,000 (and counting)!
The Foundation would also like to recognize the 2024 Team JAF Boston Marathon Exclusive Lead Sponsor, GlideFast, for their support leading up to and on Marathon Day. With the support of our presenting sponsor GlideFast and our friends with the Boston T Party, this year’s 2024 Boston Marathon campaign has raised over $318,000!
For a full recap of our 2024 Boston Marathon, including photos from race day, we encourage you to click the button below to read our blog.
Thank You, Rhode Island!
On April 1, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) participated in Rhode Island’s day of giving through 401Gives, powered by the United Way of Rhode Island. Once again, donors responded generously, helping JAF raise over $15,000 to help cancer patients with everyday household expenses. Tremendous thanks to the Lawson Charitable Foundation for providing an incredible match opportunity for our donors! Thank you to everyone who took the time to give during this important day for nonprofits in the Ocean State.
Contributing to JAF’s 401Gives fundraising, the Foundation participated in the Benan Bros. Newport Night Run on Saturday, April 6. We were honored to have one fantastic athlete represent us – long-time JAF supporter, ambassador, and social worker Dana D’Alessandro! Dana braved Newport’s rainy streets, donning her JAF singlet to support New England cancer patients and their families. Thank you, Dana!!
Hometown Hop Over with JAF!
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) started our 2024 Hop Over event series on Tuesday, April 23, at Station One by Shovel Town Brewery. JAF staff served as the official host committee of the Hometown Hop Over presented by North Easton Savings Bank!
This sold-out event featured drinks and delicious food provided by Station One by Shovel Town Brewery, an incredible mixture of desserts provided by local Foxborough bakers Sweetness and Honey and Ally’s Cookies, live music by Timmy Brown, and LoveAmericaBrands selling bracelets to benefit JAF. Also, the first 30 people to purchase tickets received a commemorative Well Told pint glass! We are thrilled to share that through the support of our community, JAF raised over $10,000 for cancer patients! Be sure to visit our events page to learn more about our upcoming Hop Over events!
Champions Circle Members Provide Help When It’s Needed Most
Champions Circle brings together companies that share a commitment to helping neighbors, colleagues, and friends when they need it most. As members, Champions are a force of good in the JAF community. With their support and that of many other generous donors, JAF has been able to help families better cope with the challenges of cancer.
For instance, in 2024, JAF’s Treatment Transportation Program provided 928 rides to 366 cancer patients. These stats show that many patients rely on this program for multiple rides to access their treatment. When patients miss or put off their treatment appointments, their chances for positive health outcomes are diminished, and worse, disruptions in care – such as missing an appointment – are associated with the recurrence of the disease and higher rates of mortality. Watch this video to see how one of Champions Circle’s founding members, St. Anne’s Hospital, works with JAF to help patients through this program.
Thank you to Hall of Famer ACS Services, Inc. and MVP One Stop Painting & Renovating for renewing their membership. You’re making a difference every day.
To enroll in Champions Circle or to renew your membership, visit JAF’s website or email barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
