Joe Andruzi
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island, Joe Andruzzi played football at Tottenville High School, where he was recognized as a Staten Island Advance All Star, achieved All City honors & was a Division II All American during his junior and senior years. He went on to play college football at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT where he majored in special education.
In 1997, Joe was picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Green Bay Packers, and in February 1998, he was allocated by the Packers to play football in Scotland for NFL Europe. He was released from the Packers after 3 seasons and picked up as an offensive guard by the New England Patriots in 2000, where he played 5 seasons and earned 3 Super Bowl rings.
In 2001, Joe and his wife Jen met C.J. Buckley, a young man with an inoperable brain tumor. C.J. and his family became extended family to the Andruzzis and his passing a left hole in their hearts. Always driven to help others, Joe helped launch the C.J. Buckley Brain Cancer Research Fund at the Boston's Children Hospital. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Ed Block Courage Award in 2002 and the first Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2003.
Joe's philanthropy didn't stop there. As a brother to three NY firefighters, who were all involved in September 11th, he organized a trip for 100 firefighters to attend a Patriots vs. Jets game at Gilette Stadium in 2002. Joe, his father and his brothers were the game's honorary captains.
In February 2005, Joe became a free agent and was signed by the Clevelend Browns, for whom he played two seasons. But on May 30, 2007, Joe was diagnosed with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's Burkitt's lymphoma, predicted to double in size within 24 hours. His playing career was over. And his family quickly relocated back to New England, where he underwent chemotherapy treatments at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Joe fought the disease with strength and courage, receiving his last treatment on August 6, 2007 before recovering a year from home.
Since then, Joe has remained cancer-free and lives a healthy life with his wife and their 5 children (including their youngest son C.J. named after C.J. Buckley) and two dogs. Together, Jen and Joe run the Joe Andruzzi Foundation which works to lift cancer's burden by providing financial assistance to patients and families. Reflecting the Andruzzis' longstanding commitment to pediatric brain cancer research at Boston Children's Hospital, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation also funds much needed innovative research into the nature of pediatric brain tumors. Since its inception, the Foundation has assisted more than 1000 families strugging with cancer and donated more than $400,000 to Dr. Mark Kieran at the Boston Children's Hospital to help fund pediatric brain cancer research.
In 2012, the Foundation unveiled its new (Up)Beat Cancer Initiative, a rallying cry to inspire patients to live joyfully during cancer treatment. Emphasizing fun and humor, the motto grew out of Joe's personal experience meeting impressive patients over the years, including many brave children who didn't let their disease affect their spirits and optimism.
Currently, Joe spends his time as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the New England Patriots. When he is not at Gilette Stadium, Joe is a regular visitor at Children's and the Jimmy Fund Clinic, often bringing former and current Patriots players along to brighten the days of patients undergoing treatment. Through patient outings and events, coupled with the Foundation's financial assistance, Joe works to bring joy to patients and families, providing fun, hope and inspiration.