(Up)Beat (Up)Date
This month, members of our Development and Programs teams made an important visit to our healthcare partners at Smilow Cancer Center in New Haven, CT. The conversations with dedicated social workers were deeply meaningful as we listened closely to their patients’ challenges and identified new ways to collaborate in addressing those needs.
As we continue our work across New England, we are constantly seeking new partners—both in healthcare and the corporate sector—who are committed to removing the barriers that hinder cancer patients’ journeys to recovery.
We understand that the world feels uncertain right now. Times are scary and tough. However, imagine navigating these challenges while also battling cancer. This is the reality for many of the patients and families we serve.
Let’s confront some of this darkness with help and with hope.
A special shoutout goes to our newest Bridge Builders—those generous monthly donors who answer the call to support our mission month after month. You embody the spirit of compassion and hope that drives us forward. Thank you and BRAVO!
Sincerely,
Jen Andruzzi
President and CEO
P.S. Be sure to scroll all the way to the end to check out JAF’s Event Calendar below! Hope to see you at one of these amazing events!
UniCORN Celebrates 1st Anniversary!
On April 9, International Unicorn Day, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) celebrated the first anniversary of launching UniCORN (Universal Community Oncology Resource Network). UniCORN is a free online resource directory for oncology patients and their caregivers that features over 100 organizations that provide assistance with household bills, emotional support, wish-granting, and more.
JAF’s UniCORN allows the Foundation to support cancer patients beyond our own programs by providing a centralized location to search for other organizations available to help. Over the past year, over 6,700 people have searched for assistance through UniCORN, reaching patients in 26 states. While celebrating all that has been accomplished so far, we continue to expand this network. Organizations interested in being listed on the directory can email programs@joeandruzzifoundation.org to get started.
Your VIP Day at Black Rock Awaits – Enter to Win!
Elite Access. Unforgettable Company. Legendary Day. JAF’s Sweepstakes to Play Black Rock is giving you exclusive access to an experience few will ever have.
⛳️ Monday, June 9 — Black Rock Country Club — one of New England’s most coveted private courses.
Tee off alongside Patriots legend and three-time Super Bowl Champion Matthew Slater.
️ Indulge in a full day of VIP treatment — breakfast, lunch, celebratory dinner, and signature cocktails.
Take home a personally signed foursome photo to commemorate a truly unforgettable day.
The Sweepstakes to Play Black Rock runs April 18 – May 19, 2025.
Winner drawn May 19. Your once-in-a-lifetime moment awaits.
Enter now! Swing into greatness!
Guarantee Your Spot in the 17th Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament
Last call to secure your spot on the exclusive Black Rock Country Club golf course in Hingham, MA, on Monday, June 9. This day out with Joe, celebrities, food, and fun all support cancer patients and families in our communities. Check out these last-minute ways to join us:
Become a Sponsor
A select few sponsorships (with player spots included!) are still available. For more information, contact Barbara Foley at barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org
Purchase a Tee Sign
Highlight your business or honor a loved one—tee signs are $500.
Join Us for Dinner
Not a golfer? No problem! Dinner tickets include a cocktail reception, silent auction, short program, and buffet dinner. Tickets: $150 per person.
For questions on all things golf, contact Michelle Mason at michelle@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
The Healing Power of Music: A Note of Hope for Cancer Patients
At the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, we’ve long believed in the power of compassion and creativity to lift the human spirit. Recent research from Maryville University’s Kids Rock Cancer (KRC) program, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, echoes that belief. It shows that music therapy can offer meaningful relief for cancer patients, especially children.
And even anecdotally, we feel it. The right song can lift our spirits, brighten a hard day, and bring a sense of calm. To that end, the JAF team has pulled together a playlist of our favorite “pick-me-up” songs—tunes that never fail to bring a smile or a moment of lightness.
Click below to listen to the JAF Pick-Me-Up Playlist. Can you guess which staff member picked each of these songs? READ THE FULL BLOG to find out!
Cheers to Boston Marathon’s Team JAF!
On April 21, 2025, 22 determined athletes crossed the starting line in Hopkinton, MA, representing the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) in the 129th Boston Marathon® presented by Bank of America.
We are incredibly grateful for our athletes’ hard work and dedication and for the generosity of their donors and supporters.
The Foundation would also like to recognize the 2025 Team JAF Boston Marathon Presenting Sponsor, GlideFast, and our Cheer Station sponsor, Henry Schein, for their support leading up to and on Marathon Day. With the support of our sponsors, our friends with the Boston T Party, and all our donors, this year’s 2025 Boston Marathon campaign raised more than $357,000 (and counting)!
There’s still time to make an impact — donations are still being accepted, and every gift helps us further support New England cancer patients and their families facing financial hardship. To support Team JAF, visit https://www.givengain.com/campaign/joeandruzzifndn25.
Thank You For GIVING BIG, Rhode Island!
We are grateful for the generosity of the Rhode Island residents who helped the Joe Andruzzi Foundation raise nearly $3,300 during the 401Gives campaign on April 1 and 2! A huge thank you, also, to the incredible generosity of the Lawson Charitable Foundation, who helped double all donations made during the ‘Power Hour,’ making contributions go even further! Together, we’ve made a significant impact and couldn’t have done it without you!
Bridge Builders: Doing Good Together
Through their monthly donations, JAF’s Bridge Builders Giving Society provides sustainable and reliable resources for patients and their families. Bridge Builders are our mission’s backbone, creating impactful daily help.
Currently our Bridge Builders boasts 77 members strong and growing every day. Our goal for 2025 is 100 members. Will you be our next Bridge Builder? Sign up today and become part of a powerful community making a real difference, one month at a time.
Since the beginning of the new year, we have welcomed 8 new Bridge Builders whose collective contributions have helped 9 families with their utility bills — removing the worry and allowing them to focus on their treatment and recovery.
Thank you to ALL of our Bridge Builders for being such an essential part of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation family!
WELCOME NEW BRIDGE BUILDERS
DEB ABBOTT
BRIAN MCGONIGAL
MAXINE JERROLD
TAMMY and CHRIS LAKE
JEFFREY LAVALLEY
JOSEPH LLANES, Jr.
DENISE and BRIAN MOWLES
GILLIAN and EDDIE O’BRIEN
Champions Circle
Champions Circle brings together companies that are committed to helping neighbors, colleagues, and friends when they need it most.
JAF is pleased to recognize The Dumpster Depot® as a Super Bowl Member of Champions Circle! We appreciate this generous support as it helps sustain JAF’s programs.
The Dumpster Depot® was founded in 2001 and has quickly become an industry leader among dumpster rental and trash hauling companies. It’s known for its outstanding commitment to providing consistency and quality service and equipment. The Dumpster Depot® is headquartered in Manchester, NH, with offices in Concord, NH, and Hull and Canton MA.
Doing business with businesses that do good is the JAF way! For more information on Champions Circle, email Barbara Foley at barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Young Professionals Council – “Putting for Patients” at Puttshack in Boston Seaport. Miniature golf like you’ve never seen it located in the hottest new spot in Boston.
$40 for guests 21+
$30 for guests under 21
Wednesday, May 14
Hometown Hop Over at Angle Tree Brewery. Join JAF for our anniversary celebration (bring the kids!). Casual night of drinks, bites, prize giveaways, and a Well Told Design gift for the first 30 registered.
Thursday, May 22
17th Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament. A premier golf experience on an exclusive course. All proceeds support JAF programming.
Monday, June 9
Team JAF: 2025 ASICS Falmouth Road Race. The road race of the summer along a beautiful seaside course! Charity Bib $1,500 fundraising minimum; Own Entry $500. Now taking applications!!
Sunday, August 17
SAVE THE DATE: JAF’s Annual Gala at Gillette Stadium. We can’t wait to share what we have in store this year!
Wednesday, October 8
