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Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
#HipNJ Cares, Charity

Powerhouse Charities Join Forces for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

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Former Vice President Joe and Dr. Jill Biden of the Biden Cancer Initiative (BCI), two-time Super Bowl winning coach and Executive Vice President of Operations for the Jacksonville Jaguars Tom Coughlin of the #HipNJ-based Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation and Grammy Award-winning band Imagine Dragons of the Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF) have joined forces to deliver a powerful public service announcement (PSA) in support of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September.

Approximately 15,000 people under the age of 20 are diagnosed with some form of cancer each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – that’s 43 children diagnosed with cancer each day. Cancer does not discriminate and its impact has been felt in every community across the U.S. leaving a devastating emotional and financial toll on the families tackling the disease. The founders of each of these nonprofit organizations, BCI, the Jay Fund and TRF, have each been touched by cancer’s devastation having walked the journey with a child, a loved one, teammate, fan or friend

In coming together, the groups hope to generate greater awareness and support for families. In a joint statement, the group appeals to the public to join their cause: “In the spirit of Beau Biden, Jay McGillis, Tyler Robinson and all the courageous young people who have fought this disease, please help us make this month matter by supporting those who need it most. No one should fight childhood cancer alone.”

Beginning September 1, the PSA will be played on television outlets and in sporting venues across the nation. In addition to making a donation to BCI, the Jay Fund or TRF, there are other practical ways for individuals to support families and get involved in the cause including volunteering with a local pediatric cancer nonprofit.

BCI, the Jay Fund and TRF each fill separate, yet critically important, missions in supporting childhood cancer. BCI is accelerating progress in cancer research and care, making more therapies available to more patients, while working to detect and prevent the disease. The Jay Fund has touched more than 5,000 families through their cancer journeys providing more than $10 million in financial assistance to families in northeast Florida and the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Since its inception just five years ago, TRF has raised in excess of $5.5 million to support more than 500 families across the U.S. battling childhood cancer by providing grants to offset the many unseen costs associated with treatment.

For more information or to learn how to get involved, visit BidenCancer.org, TCJayFund.org and TRF.org.

Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation
#HipNJ Cares, Across the River

Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation 13th Annual Champions for Children Gala

One of our favorite #HipNJ charities, the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation, hosted its 13th annual Champions for Children Gala on Friday, September 15 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, and we were there to chat with the patriarch of the organization, Coach Tom Coughlin! 

Legendary NBC 4 New York sports broadcaster Bruce Beck served as Master of Ceremonies, joined by “the voice” of the NY Giants, Bob Papa, and toasted the team members of the 2007 NY Giants Super Bowl Championship Team, accepted by Michael Strahan, all of whom are passionate advocates for childhood cancer patients and their families.

“On behalf of the 2007 Super Bowl Championship Team, it was an honor to accept this award from Coach Coughlin’s incredible foundation,” said Michael Strahan. “Coming together as a team to win the Super Bowl was an unbelievable experience; coming together as a team last night, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, to support the many local families facing the unthinkable, is what teamwork is all about.”

The event kicked off a weekend of celebrations for the 2007 Big Blue team that captured one of the most legendary sports victories in history, when they defeated the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Ten year reunion events included an excursion to Yankees Stadium and a dinner at Ellis Island. 

For more information on the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation, visit their website.

tom coughlin jay fund
#HipNJ Cares, Across the River, Charity

Valentine’s Day with the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund

#HipNJ‘s Lisa Marie Latino traveled #AcrossTheRiver to New York City’s Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders to spend Valentine’s Day with the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, a group of very special kids, and one fun Cupid!

“As Coach Coughlin always says, our goal is to be there families in ways that they need us- financially, emotionally and practically.  With these visits, we wanted to give these kids a day off from cancer and have some fun,” explained Lynn Chwatsky, Managing Director of The Jay Fund (NY/NJ).

Former New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford dressed as the lovable matchmaker and spread cheer among the hospital’s staff and patients (while unleashing some serious arts and crafts skills!)

“I’m so thankful that the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund has given me the opportunity to spend time with these amazing kids,” Steve said.  “There’s nothing better than giving back, and nobody does it better than Coach Coughlin’s charity.”

One of hospital’s patients, Lisette, voiced how thankful she was for this special day.

“Not many people come and choose to do something fun for kids who are sick,” Lisette said.  “It’s nice to have a laugh from someone while going through these treatments.”

Dr. William Carroll, Medical Director of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, echoed Lisette’s appreciation.  “The Jay Fund makes what we do here possible.  Our children are able to achieve remarkable feats because of their support.”

The visit was part of a week-long V-Day celebration by The Jay Fund, who helped spread cheer at other area hospitals including St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey.  Former New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin and his wife, Judy and NBC-4 sportscaster Bruce Beck participated in those events.

Other support came from New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich,  Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, children from St. Rita School in Alexandria, VA, Tanglewood School in Staten Island, Frankford Township School in Branchville, NJ and North Arlington Middle School in North Arlington, NJ.  They all made Valentine cards for The Jay Fund to give to the cancer patients and their families.  President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush even penned a note for the Jay Fund’s families!

For more information on the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund and how to help #BeThere for kids battling cancer, visit TCJayFund.org.