Holliston Native Runs New York City Half Marathon for Joe Andruzzi Foundation

The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) – an organization committed to providing help, hope, and a reason to smile for cancer patients and their families by contributing financial and emotional support – is pleased to announce that Dan Friedman, a native of Holliston, Mass., will run in this weekend’s United Airlines New York City Half Marathon to support their organization.

Friedman is no stranger to the dedication and grit of running a 13.1—he has previously completed three full marathons, running the Big Sur (California) in 2014, the San Diego Marathon in 2012, and his first marathon in Boston in 2011. Friedman ran with a friend who lost his leg in an accident; they raised money to financially assist those with insufficient funds or health care to afford prosthetics.

This is Friedman’s first time running for Team JAF, but he feels close ties to the Foundation. Friedman’s mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and just finished all her treatments. Additionally, the Andruzzis are great family friends.

“We are thrilled to have Dan as a foundation ambassador and all he is doing to further our mission,” said Jen Andruzzi, Executive Director of JAF. “We truly admire our runners for physically and mentally preparing their bodies to run the upcoming race, and most of all, believing in the work our foundation does. It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know what drives each member of Team JAF, and Dan’s efforts are directly benefitting cancer patients and families in need.”

Friedman, now living in Manhattan as a media planner for GroupM (Advertising Media Agency), runs the Corporate Governance program for his current place of employment and organizes non-profit events for his colleagues to participate with. He applies this experience in his own personal fundraising efforts: in addition to reaching out to friends and family, Friedman is organizing a pay-to-play football game in Central Park with auction items to help reach his goal of $1,500. Auction items include a mini helmet signed by Rob Gronkowski, a Jim Rice signed baseball and museum tickets. To donate to Friedman’s campaign, click here.

About The Joe Andruzzi Foundation

During Joe Andruzzi’s football career with the New England Patriots, Joe and his wife Jen were active locally visiting patients and families battling cancer. The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) was founded shortly after losing a close family friend to the disease, whom Joe met during his time with the Patriots. Through the foundation, they have continued to help raise money and provide support for families battling cancer, where Joe’s own diagnosis and treatment of the disease has helped drive the mission of JAF forward. The Joe Andruzzi Foundation is committed to providing help, hope, and a reason to smile for cancer patients and their families by contributing financial and emotional support when it is needed most. For more information, please visit The Joe Andruzzi Foundation or donate here.