The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF), providing help, hope, and a reason to smile for New England cancer patients and their families through financial support when it is needed most, hosted its 16th Annual Joe Andruzzi Foundation Gala on Thursday, Oct. 26, and raised over $700,000 to help New England-based cancer patients and their families. The event was held in Boston for the first time at the Fairmont Copley Plaza.
More than 300 guests attended the event which included a host of sports figures and celebrities. This year’s gala theme was “Believe,” and highlighted the inspiration, collective support, and pure magic that has allowed the Foundation to remove financial barriers for New England cancer patients over the past 16 years. Since its start, the Foundation has granted more than $10 million to more than 40,000 cancer patients across New England to help ease the pressure of household expenses, food, transportation, extraordinary needs, and wellness resources while undergoing treatment.
“We are so thankful to our wonderful donors who allow us to continue helping those who are facing life-altering diagnoses and treatment,” said Joe Andruzzi, Co-Founder and Chief Engagement Officer, Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF). “After my personal battle with cancer, I know all too well the financial burden that this disease can create and we never want a patient or their family to choose between paying for medication or paying their rent.”
The Foundation unveiled its new Universal Community Oncology Resource Network (UniCORN) for New England cancer patients, families, and healthcare professionals. UniCORN offers patients convenient access to tools and information that are vital on the heels of a cancer diagnosis. It serves as a resource directory, a financial management tool, and a new application system for patients and oncology team members to apply for multiple layers of assistance through one single application.
“UniCORN will transform how cancer patients access support when they need it most,” said Jen Andruzzi, CEO and President, Joe Andruzzi Foundation. “The resource directory is now active and the financial tool and common application are in development and will follow soon.”
The event also recognized the Foundation’s 2023 “Game Changers” for their commitment to the Foundation and helping patients and their families.
In 2022, more than $1.25 million was distributed in direct assistance to help 4,580 individuals with financial assistance to pay for housing, transportation, utilities, food, insurance, and other household expenses. Since 2008, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation has been able to grant over $10 million in support to thousands of cancer patients and their families across New England.
