By Max Bowen—For the North Star Reporter
David Santoro, a longtime member of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s Boston Marathon team, has been named one of the foundation’s 2026 “Game Changers.”
The North Attleborough resident will be honored during JAF’s annual Late Night fundraiser at Gillette Stadium on Nov. 10. San toro has raised more than $63,000 for the foundation through his years of involvement with Team JAF, helping support New England cancer patients and families facing the financial burden of a diagnosis.
He’ll be recognized alongside four other Game Changers during this year’s “Stories That Shape Us” event, which will benefit JAF’s financial assistance programs for cancer patients throughout New England.
“This year’s Game Changers show that there are so many ways to make a difference for patients and families facing cancer,” said Jen Andruzzi, co-founder, president and CEO, Joe Andruzzi Foundation said in a statement. “Whether it’s connecting patients with critical resources, raising funds, building partnerships or helping us reach new communities, each of these honorees has played an important role in moving our mission forward.”
Santoro spoke with the North Star Reporter about his fundraising work and what has motivated him over the years.
How did you become involved with JAF?
We (The Andruzzi Foundation and my business) were both chamber members, and I was looking for another charity to run for after I had run for Dana Farber for 17 years. When I found out more about them and after seeing what my mother went through when she had cancer and we lost her in 1999, I liked what they were doing so I decided to run for them and having my own number by qualifying I could do that.
What about the organization inspired you to work with them?
The fact that they try to help as many cancer patients as they can and reduce some of the financial stress of going through cancer treatment. As a financial planner I see many people who just don’t have enough in savings, so a cancer diagnosis can be financially ruinous.
I read that you’ve raised more than $63,000. How was this done?
This was over 15 years, by asking friends and family to give year after year. The last two years I have done fundraising events and in 2022 when Diane (my wife) was diagnosed with breast cancer I started matching all pledges from our business and have continued to do that the last three years.
I also read that you’re a member of the JAF’s Boston Marathon team. What’s your role on the team?
I am a runner on the team and have been for the last 15 years. Informally I offer to share my experience of running the Boston Marathon the last 37 years with new members on the team. As a long time Boston Marathon Qualifier, I don’t need to run for charity, but I do it because it’s the right thing to do. I have run 32 of my 37 Boston marathons to raise money for charity even though I don’t have to.
What does it mean to you to receive this recognition?
It’s a great honor because I don’t do this for recognition. I do it because I love to run and if my talents can help people who need assistance then that’s what is important.
What do you hope those in attendance take from the Game Changers who will be recognized?
That anyone can help by doing what ever they can, if it’s running, then great, if they have another skill that can help others, then use that skill. Whatever it is, everyone has the ability to give back and help others.