Help Octavio raise money

We’ve all been touched by or know someone that has dealt with a cancer diagnosis.  Recently for me, it was my sister (Elizabeth) who was diagnosed with breast cancer in Jan 2023 after a mammogram and subsequent biopsy.  Her diagnosis was “Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage 2” cancer.  Elizabeth had a bilateral mastectomy in April 2023 and multiple reconstructive surgeries, due to complications, with her final surgery just a few weeks ago.   Elizabeth is now cancer free, however, she is dealing with some expected long-term side effects.  Thankfully, her long-term prognosis is excellent!  

After seeing what Elizabeth went through, I wanted to identify and support a foundation that assists patients and families during their treatment process.

So why the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) you ask…. The JAF provides assistance to patients who have fallen into financial hardships as a result of a cancer diagnosis. A cancer diagnosis does not put everyday living expenses on hold, that is why JAF has various assistance programs to remove financial barriers and wellness programs focusing on specific target areas that cancer regimens typically disrupt, leaving patients struggling to figure out.

Since patients and families devote all their energy and resources towards battling the disease, the foundation helps alleviate financial and emotional stress by delivering support through;  

> Financial assistance, food security, extraordinary needs, treatment transportation, as well as (Up)beat events, and mind-body opportunities. 

Here are some impactful examples, support and services provided by the JAF;

> Supports basic, household, monthly expenses such as rent/mortgage, car payments or insurance, and utilities. 

> Provides patients and their families with gift cards to various regional grocery stores. 

> Extraordinary Needs supports cancer patients and their families with a one-time grant of up to $4,000 for project-based needs that present a barrier to treatment for a patient such as fertility preservation, dental work, and required home improvement projects needed to provide the patient with high-priority necessities.

> (Up)Beat Events have included riding on the Boston Harbor Cruises’ Codzilla , attending Disney on Ice shows, and sporting events. Some events are even virtual – such as bingo, trivia, and gingerbread house-building events – allowing for safe participation and greater accessibility. New and unique activities and events are constantly being created. 

> Through a partnership with the Randi Friedman Wellness Fund (RFWF), the JAF provides resources for mind-body practices such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, and journaling.  Just recently, RFWF held a virtual women’s retreat for more than 20 JAF support attendees. 

I realize there are many great organizations out there looking for support.  I would deeply appreciate a donation of any amount towards my goal.

P.S.  Enjoy these pictures of Joe Andruzzi and my son Jameson during a Boston Marathon training run in April 2014 where we met Joe for the first time.