Flying Through the Dog Days of Summer
July 2016 had already been great to begin with, but on Thursday afternoon, three amazing young children walked into the Joe Andruzzi Foundation offices and truly made it a month to remember.
Madelyn (9), Jackson (5), and Parker (4) of the Steel Family (pictured above) surprised us all when they donated $150 to JAF that they raised at their lemonade stand.
We talk a lot about the power of positivity and paying it forward, but the Steel family’s generosity blew us away – it was truly an (Up)Beat Cancer moment we will never forget. We can’t thank them enough.
What a way to round out the month! Keep reading to learn what else has been going on at JAF in July!
All the best,
Jen and Joe Andruzzi
JAF BY THE NUMBERS
TEAM JAF FALMOUTH ROAD RACE RUNNERS: 58
2016 TEAM JAF FALMOUTH ROAD RACE FUNDRAISING TO DATE: $48,203
On Sale! Third Annual (Up)Beat Comedy Night Tickets
Join the Joe Andruzzi Foundation on Wednesday, September 14 in Walpole, MA as we host our Third Annual (Up)Beat Comedy Night fundraiser, presented by Bob’s Discount Furniture!
The evening, headlined by funnyman Lenny Clarke, will also feature a cast of New England’s best comics – like Tony V, Artie Januario, Brad Mastrangelo, Graig Murphy, Christine Hurley, Dave Russo, and Johnny Pizzi.
All proceeds raised through the event – hosted at Raffael’s (1601 Main Street, Walpole, MA), which has once again been generously donated by co-owner Joe Bartucca for the night – will support the JAF’s mission. Score your tickets today while you still can!
Seventh Annual Codzilla Thrill Ride
On Thursday, July 14, we hosted more than 20 cancer patients and their families at Long Wharf in downtown Boston for our seventh annual Codzilla Thrill Ride outing (thanks to our friends at Boston Harbor Cruises). What is Codzilla, you ask? Well, see for yourself.
Codzilla is a high-speed powerboat that whips around Boston Harbor at upwards of 40 miles per hour as music blares and waves splash. Most importantly, our annual outing gives patients a much-deserved day of laughs and fun away from treatment.
The event – part of JAF’s ongoing series of (Up)Beat Opportunities – is designed to help take patients and families minds off of cancer, or the financial ramifications of the disease, so that they can enjoy a wet and wild day in the sun.
Thanks again to Boston Harbor Cruises and the entire Codzilla Thrill Ride staff who are so generous and a pleasure to be around each and every year. Be sure to check out photos from this year’s Codzilla event on our Facebook page here and read more about all the fun here!
Last Call for Entries Into the Sold Out Falmouth Road Race
Got shut out of the Falmouth Road Race lottery? Still looking for a bib/entry into the sold our race? Good news – we have a few spots left, but there are just a few days left to claim them!
Apply today to run for #TeamJAF at this year’s race and help the Joe Andruzzi Foundation raise crucial funds that will allow us to provide financial assistance to cancer patients and families, empowering them to focus on recovery – not bills: http://bit.ly/jafrunsfrr16.
Runners who need a guaranteed entry through the Foundation are required to fundraise a minimum of $1,250, and runners who have their own entry but wish to join the team are required to fundraise a minimum of $500 — all of which directly support patient families of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.
#TeamJAF Runs Inaugural Runner’s World Classic
From July 15-17, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation fielded a group of #TeamJAF runners & walkers to participate in, and build awareness through, the inaugural Runner’s World Classic powered by DMSE in North Andover, MA!
The three-day event hosted races and walks for participants and families of all levels – including an exciting kid’s fun run, a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, and many other cool activities.
Check out photos from the weekend – and thanks to everyone who participated! We can’t wait for next year!
2017 Boston Marathon®
Save the date! On Monday, April 17, 2017 – Marathon Monday – the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s “Team JAF” runners will take strides against cancer at the 2017 Boston Marathon® for the seventh straight year.
Team JAF is made up of charity runners, as well as those receiving entries through qualification or outside invitations. All fundraising by Team JAF members directly supports the Foundation’s mission of providing help, hope, and a reason to smile for cancer patients and their families.
To join the list to be notified when Team JAF’s 2017 Boston Marathon application period opens, email TeamJAF@joeandruzzifoundation.org. Visit our events page for more information.
Patient Corner
Jennifer Leitner
Turning 30 was a milestone year for Jennifer Leitner, an Easton, MA – based Red Cross Executive Assistant.
Jennifer and her husband Evan welcomed their first child, Max, into the world. The joy was all encompassing, and the young family’s first year together was everything Jennifer hoped it would be – except for a lurking pain in her breast that just wouldn’t seem to go away.
The then 31-year-old agreed enough was enough that fall, and shortly after seeking a medical consultation, doctors discovered a lump. On October 27, 2015, two days before Max’s first birthday, Jennifer got the call no one ever wants to get. You have breast cancer.
What cancer didn’t realize was just how tough of a patient Jennifer is, and how her positive spirit would help her overcome any obstacle standing in her way.
Read JAF’s latest Patient Profile and learn all about Jennifer’s inspiring journey.