(Up)Beat (Up)Date
As we approach the close of 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work we’ve accomplished together. Thanks to your generosity, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) has provided critical financial assistance to thousands of New England cancer patients and their families, helping them cover essential expenses and focus on what matters most—their health.
One of our most touching moments this year came during our final patient visit to Methuen, MA, where we delivered a new mattress to 83-year-old cancer patient Joseph and his wife, just in time for the holidays. Joseph has been battling cancer for over 20 years and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the gift of a simple yet vital comfort: a bed that would help him rest easier. (Read the full story below.)
Experiences like this remind us all why our mission is so crucial and why your continued support is making a tangible, lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re committed to expanding our reach and helping even more patients in need. To do so, we’ll strengthen our partnerships and forge new connections across New England, inviting more individuals and organizations to join us in our mission. Our events team is already planning exciting opportunities to get involved, and we look forward to announcing those soon. JAF’s programs are set to expand to every state we serve, and we’re eager to continue this important work.
On behalf of everyone at the Foundation, please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your loyalty and support throughout 2024. Because of you, we’ve delivered help, hope, and smiles to cancer patients in your communities when they needed it most.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, happiness, and continued blessings.
Jen Andruzzi
President and CEO
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s (JAF) primary goal is to provide a safety net for patients and families facing financial barriers during cancer treatment. We know first-hand that cancer does not discriminate and accessing treatment can come at a cost to households that live on fixed budgets.
Figuring out how to keep your home financially afloat when you or a loved one is going through treatment is emotionally exhausting and adds weight to your already tired shoulders. That toll on patients is why JAF’s Wellness Program is an important component of our mission. From the very beginning, Joe and Jen believed that focusing on yourself, keeping a positive attitude, and finding ways to cope with stress gives you the extra muscle you need during what can be a very long journey.
During this holiday season, JAF’s Wellness Program was in full swing in households across New England’s six states:
- 60+ Thanksgiving baskets were delivered in southeastern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island
- Christmas trees with décor were shipped to patients in New Hampshire and Connecticut (thanks to our partners at Ocean State Job Lot)
- Care packages designed especially for women patient recipients were sent across the region
- Annual Gingerbread House Contest (everyone’s a winner—shhh…) Pediatric patients and young children of adult patients received a special gift box from Ginger Betty’s Bakery in Quincy, MA
In moments when hope, strength, and peace of mind are in short supply, JAF is there—not only to ease the financial burdens, but to help alleviate the emotional weight —reminding families they are never alone in their journey.
“My family greatly appreciates this basket of food, and it has made Thanksgiving that much more meaningful this year. I’ll be finishing my cancer treatment the day before Thanksgiving, and I’ve gotten through this time in large part thanks to the support from organizations like JAF and individuals like you. I won’t forget it. Thank you!” – Thanksgiving Basket Recipient
GivingTuesday Gratitude!
This year’s GivingTuesday was an incredible success, and we are beyond grateful for the support and generosity of donors who helped us raise over $62,000 to assist cancer patients and their families. As a result of this success, ten individuals will also receive a new mattress! Your contributions make a difference in the lives of those who need it most!
This year’s campaign was once again amplified with matching funds from our friends at Bob’s Discount Furniture, helping us double the impact of every donation. This partnership allowed us to reach our goal even faster and support more families on their cancer journeys.
THANK YOU! We couldn’t have done it without you!
Comfort and Joy Delivered to Methuen
This holiday season, JAF was thrilled to deliver comfort—and a little extra joy—to 83-year-old cancer patient Joseph and his wife Joanne in Methuen, MA. Joseph, who has been battling cancer for over 20 years, had been struggling to sleep during treatment. When his social worker reached out after hearing about JAF’s call for patients in need of a mattress, we were ready to help.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters during November’s GivingTuesday campaign, every $2,500 raised unlocked a mattress donation from Bob’s Discount Furniture for a patient in need. Joseph and Joanne’s morning delivery was made even more magical with “Santa Joe” and his cheerful elves delivering not just a mattress, but also brand-new bedding.
This special delivery brought warmth, comfort, and holiday cheer truly making it a season of Comfort and Joy.
JAF already has nine more patients identified for mattress deliveries in the coming weeks!
Holiday Hop Over: Wrapping Up a Season of Cheer
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) wrapped up our 2024 Hop Over series with a special Holiday Hop Over “Festival of Trees” at Ravenous Brewing Company on Tuesday, December 10. This event raised nearly $4,000 for cancer patients and would not have been possible without our generous supporters:
Event Sponsors:
Series Presenting Sponsor: Columbia Construction
Barley Sponsor: Santoro Financial Planning
Venue: Ravenous Brewing Company for welcoming JAF and all our supporters to your fantastic space and for providing delicious drinks
In-kind sponsor: Ocean State Job Lot donated the trees for our Chance Drawing and five, 7-foot artificial trees with decorations for JAF to give to patients in need.
Our Tree Sponsors for creating these beautiful trees, each valued at least $100! Thank you: Regan Communications, Patriot Place, Hasbro/The Urban Family, Foster Country Club, Chris DiFilippi, JAF Young Professionals Council, JAF staff, Joe Andruzzi Foundation, Dunkin’ and The Fish Family, the Providence Bruins, The Andruzzi Family
Thank you to The Catering Gourmet for providing all the delicious food and Spencer Soucy for fabulous music throughout the event!
Of course, special thanks to our amazing friends at Well Told Design for donating custom pint glasses!
If you and some friends would like to assemble a host committee or sponsor JAF through a Hop Over in 2025, please get in touch with our Director of Events, Gillian O’Brien at gillian@joeandruzzifoundation.org, for details.
Champions Circle brings together companies committed to helping neighbors, colleagues, and friends when they need it most.
CHAMPIONS CIRCLE 2024 IMPACT
Often, patients delay or forgo treatment because their rent or mortgage is due, they need to make a car payment, or pay a utility bill instead. These are basic expenses as well as BARRIERS to care.
To achieve the best health outcomes, patients must access their care and follow treatment plans. So, JAF was pleased to learn from a recent survey of patient recipients that 79% said the JAF’s Financial Assistance grant helped remove financial barriers to treatment.
Providing help IS providing HOPE.
This year, with the support from Champions Circle Members, JAF has provided 96 patients with a Financial Assistance grant, which is paid directly to banks, utility companies, mechanics., or other vendors. We cannot do this work without you; thank you!
If you would like to learn more about how to become involved with JAF’s Champions Circle, contact Barbara Foley at barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org or visit JAF’s website.
Thank You to Our 2024 Schools!
In 2024, JAF’s Project 800 raised over $10,000 for patients facing cancer treatment challenges. We want to thank the schools that participated throughout this year and are excited about what 2025 has in store!
Throughout 2025, Project 800 will offer new ways for schools and community groups to get involved! Starting in the spring, we will invite classrooms or organizations to take part in “Jumping over the Rainbow” – a coin drive to raise money for cancer patients. The goal is to raise $800, which is a single financial assistance grant for a family in need.
If you are interested in how to get your child’s classroom, team, or group involved, please contact Hunter at hunter@joeandruzzifoundation.org or call (508) 261-0630 x406.
There’s Still Time to Make a Gift of Hope
Are you looking to make a gift that will have meaningful impact right here in your community? You still have time! There are many ways to make a gift to JAF – online, check, Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), or even a gift of stocks for seamless giving. For assistance, contact Jeff LaValley at jeff@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Be sure to donate before December 31, 2024 to receive the full tax benefit tax for 2024. In addition to the tax advantage, your contribution will deliver hope to a cancer patient undergoing treatment right now. Thank you!
Important Notice Regarding Tax Acknowledgement Letters
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation is streamlining how we provide tax documentation. Beginning this year, we will issue one comprehensive tax letter in January, summarizing all donations made in the previous calendar year.
Previously, individual letters were sent in addition to your immediate transaction receipt following each event or donation. This new approach is designed to provide a more convenient and efficient solution, ensuring that you have all your contribution details in one convenient document.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Annual Giving Manager Jeff LaValley at jeff@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
