Fightstrong Foundation

July 2024 marked the Fightstrong Foundation's Third Annual Golf Outing, an inspiring event filled with community spirit, generous contributions, and touching stories. With 221 golfers and 53 sponsors, the event surpassed expectations and reinforced our commitment to supporting those affected by cancer. A major highlight was the $60,000 donation and sponsorship from Victory Home Remodeling & The Victory Foundation, with contributions from Beacon Roofing Supply, MI Windows & Doors, and others. Their generosity played a crucial role in the event's success. The day featured a memorable live art performance by Cody Sabol, where an extraordinary piece was created and sold for $15,000, adding excitement to the event. Additionally, our first-ever Foam Finger Raise brought in further donations, showcasing the energy and enthusiasm of our supporters. We were also proud to present the Dave Wolff Award, honoring the legacy of David John Wolff, who courageously battled Leiomyosarcoma. The award was given to Jack Lupo, an Ewing’s Sarcoma survivor whose resilience and positivity embody the spirit of the award. The event raised over $150,000, a testament to the unwavering support of our community. Fightstrong is committed to making a difference in the fight against cancer, with plans to establish the first Fightstrong center. We are deeply grateful for the kindness and support that drives our mission forward. https://lnkd.in/enFvPHZ4

The Fightstrong Foundation is proud to present the Dave Wolff Award, honoring the extraordinary legacy of David John Wolff. David bravely fought a long and courageous battle with Leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, dedication, and community spirit. Born on December 25, 1964, David dedicated his life to his family, his career, and his community. He was a cherished member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Brunswick and a passionate coach for baseball and South River Pop Warner football. David’s commitment to his family and community was unwavering, even in the face of his illness. Dave unfortunately passed away peacefully on Friday, August 20, 2010. The Dave Wolff Award is more than just an honor; it is a tribute to someone who embodies these same qualities. The Dave Wolff Award recognizes an individual who mirrors David's unwavering commitment to fighting life's challenges and contributing positively to their communities. It is presented to someone who has endured adversity with cancer, facing their challenges with a full-of-life spirit, positivity, and unyielding courage.. We are thrilled to honor our friend and Ewing’s Sarcoma survivor, Jack Lupo, as the first-ever recipient. Jack’s journey exemplifies the spirit of the award, demonstrating resilience and positivity in the face of adversity. Jack, a resilient young man, began his unexpected battle with cancer during his junior year of high school. Despite the challenges, Jack’s determination and positive spirit have been truly inspiring. His story of survival and his commitment to living life to the fullest, despite his battles, make him a fitting recipient of this prestigious award. As we celebrate the first-ever recipient of the Dave Wolff Award, we remember Dave not just for his battle against cancer but for his remarkable ability to inspire and uplift those around him. His legacy continues to motivate us all to live with purpose, compassion, and strength. Watch Our Tribute Now: https://lnkd.in/eNzKGRDJ

With just a little over a week until our 3rd Annual Golf Outing, we wanted to take the time to recognize our sponsors! We have been incredibly blessed to have partnered with some of the top brands! These companies make our mission and vision, possible. We cannot thank them enough and we encourage our followers and participants to consider them for their future needs! Our top sponsors and partners include: Victory Home Remodeling, Beacon Building Products, MI Windows & Doors, BRM Home Remodeling, Daniel Nigro of Merrill Lynch, Cushman & Wakefield, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Fairleigh Dickinson University Silberman College of Business, FDU Devils, GAF, Fox Rothschild, IPG - Intertape Polymer Group, Tito's Handmade Vodka, The Furniture X-Change, and Total Travel Marine!

Meet Shrey, a resilient 15-year-old whose life changed just before his birthday in February 2024. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, which brought his active teenage life to a halt. Shrey faced a tough choice: amputation or a complex surgery to remove the tumor and reconstruct his knee. He bravely opted for the latter, undergoing a 15-hour surgery after 10 weeks of chemotherapy. Post-surgery, he continues with rehabilitation and chemo infusions, showing immense strength. We at the Fightstrong Foundation heard Shrey's story and learned of his love for video games. To help bridge the gap and bring comfort to Shrey during his hospital stay, we donated video games, a television, and other items he loves. Shrey's family shared, "We are profoundly grateful to the FightStrong Foundation, which has helped bridge that gap. Their generous donation of video games, a television, and other items that Shrey loves has brought a little piece of home to his hospital room. They have exceeded our expectations, and we are forever thankful." Shrey's journey continues, but with the support of his family, friends, and the FightStrong Foundation, we know he will keep fighting. His courage makes him a true warrior. #FightStrong #ShreysJourney

We were thrilled to partner with Fairleigh Dickinson University Silberman College of Business and FDU Athletics to raise awareness for our cause and upcoming golf outing for FDU alumni. The support from Silberman College of Business and FDU Athletics was truly exceptional, and we are grateful for their collaboration in hosting this impactful event. A massive thank you goes out to David Chance Healy of 1776 by David Burke for graciously hosting us in their top golf simulator's suite. The atmosphere was fantastic, and everyone had a blast enjoying the simulator experience while networking and supporting a meaningful cause. This event was not only enjoyable but also incredibly valuable. We gained significant traction and interest for our upcoming golf outing, thanks to the enthusiastic participation and engagement of all attendees. Your presence and support mean everything to us, and we couldn't have asked for a better turnout. To everyone who joined us, thank you for making this event a success and for contributing to our mission. Also, a special thank you to Victory Home Remodeling for speaking at the event, as they are FDU alumnus themselves. Together, we are making a difference and creating positive change in our community!

Three years ago, Joseph faced a life-altering diagnosis of stage 2B Hodgkin's lymphoma. Uncertainty loomed as he prepared for six months of chemotherapy and radiation. Yet, amidst the challenges, Joseph's spirit remained unyielding. Rather than letting cancer define him, he emerged stronger and more determined. His journey inspired a remarkable act of kindness—raising $17,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, igniting a passion for helping others. Two years ago, on this significant day, Fightstrong Foundation was born. In just 19 months, we've touched the lives of over 30 families, providing invaluable support worth over $20,000 in cherished items. Our mission is fueled by resilience, compassion, and the unwavering belief that together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer. Today, we are thrilled to announce our 3rd Annual Golf Outing, set for July 29th, 2024, at Forsgate Country Club. This event marks our most significant gathering yet, with over 70 golfers already registered. Join us for a day of camaraderie, purpose, and generosity. Stay tuned for exciting updates on gifts, raffles, and more—be part of this extraordinary journey with Fightstrong. ⛳️🎗️ 

Fightstrong Foundation is hosting FDU Athlete Alumni Networking Event - Get to Know Fightstrong Foundation. Make sure to attend it on May 7.

Meet Leyla, a 14-year-old who recently triumphed over Ependymoma, a type of brain tumor. Her journey began with debilitating migraines that disrupted her daily life and led to a startling MRI discovery of a brain mass. For 11 months, no doctor could figure out what was going on. Upon the MRI she had done, Leyla underwent brain surgery at CHOP, successfully removing the tumor but touching the top of her spine, requiring additional care. Post-surgery, Leyla embraced 33 rounds of proton radiation therapy at UPENN Medicine with unwavering determination. Amidst challenges, Leyla’s resilience shone through as she focused on healing and regular scans to monitor her progress. Last Wednesday, Leyla rang the bell, a symbol of completing her treatment and a victorious step in her fight against Ependymoma!! During our interactions, Laura, Leyla’s mom, expressed her desire for a shopping spree, lifting her spirits during recovery. We gifted Leyla with cards for Lululemon, PacSun, Garage, Victoria’s Secret, and Hollister. Now, Leyla works on regaining strength through physical therapy, aiming to rejoin her cheer team soon. Your journey inspires us, Leyla. We’re excited for your bright future filled with health, cheer, and love from family and friends. To read more about Leyla’s story, please head to our website and click on the ‘Stories’ tab. 💜🙏🏼 #FightstrongFoundation #FightBackStrongerAgainstCancer #BrainCancer

Meet Leia, a 2-year-old whose life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with Leukemia on March 19th. Initially experiencing her fifth ear infection in a year, Leia’s journey toward diagnosis began in late January. Despite multiple rounds of antibiotics, her health continued to decline, leading to fevers and petechiae, ultimately resulting in the heart-wrenching news of leukemia. Amidst this challenging time, Fightstrong Foundation stepped in to offer vital support to Leia and her family. Recognizing the hardships they faced, we provided essential items such as clothes, diapers, and an iPad, aiming to bring comfort and assistance during Leia’s treatment and recovery. As Leia nears the completion of her induction phase of treatment on April 24th, her family remains hopeful for positive outcomes from the upcoming bone marrow biopsy. This pivotal moment will guide Leia’s path toward remission and recovery, marking a significant milestone in her battle against leukemia. We stand in solidarity with Leia and her family, sending love, strength, and hope as she continues her courageous fight. Leia, your resilience inspires us all, and we look forward to witnessing the bright future ahead of you. Keep fighting – we are here for you every step of the way! To read Leia’s full story, please go to our website and click on the ‘Stories’ tab. 🙏🏼💜🎗️ #FightstrongFoundation #FightBackStrongerAgainstCancer #Leukemia

Meet Amanda Hadzimichalis, a courageous 36-year-old woman who found herself facing Stage 3 Classic Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after a series of symptoms. Initially experiencing what seemed like mild issues such as headaches, lightheadedness, and fatigue, Amanda’s concern grew when an MRI revealed a 4mm brain aneurysm. However, further examinations corrected this, revealing a smaller aneurysm and raising new concerns about her health. The onset of daily low-grade fevers, drenching night sweats, and elevated inflammation markers led Amanda to various specialists, from rheumatologists to infectious disease doctors and hematologists. Despite inconclusive initial assessments, a CT scan uncovered enlarged lymph nodes throughout her body, prompting an urgent biopsy that confirmed lymphoma. With her diagnosis clarified as Stage 3 Classic Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Amanda faced a challenging road ahead. In the midst of this emotional time, Fightstrong Foundation reached out to Amanda, extending support in various forms. Recognizing her struggle with hair loss due to treatment, we provided Amanda with a brand-new wig, care accessories, and a ShopRite gift card for her essential needs. Our aim was to ease some of the burdens she faced during this challenging time and show solidarity in her fight against cancer. Despite the shock and upheaval of her diagnosis, Amanda remains a true inspiration. She has completed three rounds of chemotherapy, with nine more to go, and is steadfast on her journey to recovery. Through her resilience and determination, Amanda’s story reminds us of the unwavering spirit within those battling cancer and the importance of support and solidarity during such trying times. We love you, Amanda. We know that there is a beautiful end and a new beginning at the end of the story. We will always be by your side! To read Amanda’s full story, please click the link below! https://lnkd.in/dvCwRdfy