Friends of JJ - Local NonProfit Bringing Smiles to Children & Families Affected by Pediatric Disease

Friends of JJ is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that brings hope and joy to children and families affected by pediatric diseases. Brenna & Chris Messana, with the help of their family, started Friends of JJ in 2014 in memory of their brother JJ. JJ was 27 years old when he passed away from pediatric cancer. Although JJ's life was cut short, his spirit lives on through Friends of JJ.
After JJ graduated CBA graduate he went on to Monmouth University. During his sophomore year he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. But he did not let cancer stop him. While undergoing countless rounds of surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, JJ managed to graduate Monmouth University and marry his college sweetheart.
Although JJ was 20 years old when he was diagnosed, he was placed on the pediatric floor of Memorial Sloan Kettering. For eight years JJ and his family watched newborns, infants, children and their families suffer tremendously. It was heart-wrenching and an unforgettable experience. JJ being the older “kid” in the hospital would try to make every younger child smile.
After JJ passed, the Messana Family decided to start Friends of JJ to continue JJs efforts in making these children SMILE!

Friends of JJ, will Stirring Up Smiles for children and families spending their Halloween at local hospitals. Friends of JJ is currently organizing a fundraiser and costume drive local businesses, organizations and schools. During the week of Halloween they will host Halloween parties at Monmouth Medical Center and St. Peter’s University Hospital benefiting hundreds of children. In Addition, boxes of toys and costumes will be sent to St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Children’s Specialized Hospital and Jersey Shore Medical Center.
Executive Director Brenna Messana states, “I want to thank our community for their continued support of Friends of JJ. Every year our Halloween season gets a bigger and bigger response. This year we are blown away by the support we already have received”
Friends of JJ feel their Stirring Up Smiles program is so significant because Halloween is such an enjoyable and memorable day for a child. Messana explains, “The children we encounter are not home for Halloween like their friends and peers. They do not get to celebrate at School, dress up or even trick or treat. Being able to give these children a Halloween experience in the hospital is an unbelievable feeling and the parents of the children could not appreciate it more.”
Friends of JJ will start their 4th Annual Toys of Joy toy drive this November. Keep an eye out for a Toys of Joy collection box in local businesses. Friends of JJ invites you to join their toy drive at your office, school, business or organization. To find out more information please email Brenna at brenna@friendsofjj.org or visit our website www.friendsofjj.org.
Friends of JJ is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that brings hope and smiles to children and families affected by pediatric disease.