Our [ Fight | Story]

Discover the impactful story behind Fightstrong Foundation.

Fightstrong's Impact

At Fightstrong Foundation, our mission is deeply rooted in a commitment to improving the quality of life for all individuals currently battling cancer or those who have faced any form of this disease. Through our dedicated efforts, we strive to provide invaluable emotional, practical, and educational support to those in need, ensuring that no one fights alone.

Fightstrong's Reach

Currently, Fightstrong Foundation is deeply committed to serving the tri-state area, providing vital support and resources to individuals and families facing cancer-related challenges. It's important to note that Fightstrong Foundation does not donate monetary items but focuses on providing invaluable emotional and practical support to those in need.

Fightstrong's Vision

Our vision is to empower individuals to fight back stronger against cancer. We believe in fostering a community where every person facing cancer can access the support and resources they need to navigate their journey with resilience and determination. We envision a world where every individual battling cancer can fight back stronger and live life to the fullest.

Fightstrong's Values

At Fightstrong, our core values drive positive change. We prioritize personal connections, fueled by passion, authenticity, teamwork, and kindness. These values shape our mission to make a meaningful impact, fostering genuine connections, passion, authenticity, teamwork, and kindness. Our dedication to these principles guides every aspect of our work, ensuring a lasting difference in our communities.
Our Mission
Our Reach
Our Vision
Our Values
Joseph's Story

The Journey to [Recovery | Fightstrong]

From fighting for his life to changing people's lives.
May 1st, 2021

Joseph's Diagnosis

On May 1st, 2021, Joseph Nigro was diagnosed with Stage 2B Hodgkin's Lymphoma. While it was a challenging time, the outpouring of love and support from friends and family was overwhelming. Custom bracelets were made to show support, and a team was formed under the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise funds and participate in the Light the Night walk.

May 18th, 2021

The Recovery

By May 18th, Joseph began his chemotherapy treatments that spanned four months, encompassing four rounds and a total of eight treatments. In September, Joseph began radiation therapy while simultaneously leading fundraising efforts that culminated in raising $17,000, leading to Joseph becoming the Honored Hero of the LLS Light the Night event.

October 12th, 2021

Ringing the Bell

After six months of treatment, Joseph became cancer-free, but the experience left a lasting impact. His experience with cancer showed his family and himself what the power of community and support could do. It was incredible to see how many people rallied behind him and his fight against cancer. They knew that they wanted to use this same community-driven approach to help others who were going through the same thing.

May 1st, 2022

Fightstrong Foundation

On the one-year anniversary of his diagnosis with Stage 2B Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Joseph Nigro and his community celebrated a significant milestone while also launching a new chapter of hope. It was on this poignant day that Fightstrong Foundation was announced, a nonprofit organization born from Joseph's journey and dedicated to aiding those less fortunate in their cancer battles. The foundation's inaugural fundraiser, held with heartfelt determination, saw an astounding $19,000 raised, a testament to the unwavering support and generosity of everyone involved. With this initial success, Fightstrong Foundation wasted no time in fulfilling its mission, extending a helping hand to cancer patients in need.

we are STRONG in numbers

What We Have Done in the Fight Against Cancer

Explore the tangible impact we've made by delving into the numbers and details that highlight our accomplishments, visualizing the scale of our contributions and providing a clear picture of the positive changes we've brought about in various areas.
$20,000+

Amount Donated

Since September of 2022, Fightstrong Foundation has been able to donate over $20,000 in cherishable items to those battling cancer.
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30+

Families Supported

Since September of 2022, Fightstrong Foundation has been able to donate to over 30 families, providing their dreams and more.
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100%

How Our Money is Spent

Outside of our operational costs, we believe that the money we spend should only be used to have an impact in a cancer patient's life.
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Joseph's [ Recognition | Honors]

Dive into Joseph's impressive journey of recognition, honors, and awards, showcasing his unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements. From prestigious accolades to notable honors, explore how Joseph's efforts have been acknowledged and celebrated on various platforms.

FDU Pinnacle Award

Joseph was selected as the recipient of The PINNACLE award, an honor bestowed annually by past inductees. This recognition is granted based on specific criteria: achieving success or distinction in one's chosen field, making significant contributions to society through public or humanitarian service, and demonstrating outstanding service to the University or embodying the distinctive character of FDU in one's life.
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MAC Giant Steps Award

The MAC Giant Steps Award is given to individuals who have triumphed over challenges while achieving success in life, who harness sports as a catalyst for positive societal transformation, who dismantle obstacles to create opportunities for others, and who serve as inspirations for achieving greatness through the positive influence of sports.
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LLS Light the Night Honored Hero

Joseph was recognized as an Honored Hero for his outstanding dedication and support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, having raised $17,000 during his treatments for blood cancer. An Honored Hero is an individual or family member directly impacted by a blood cancer who serves as a beacon of inspiration and offers crucial support to LLS in their mission.
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Joan Desilites Award

Joseph was also honored with The Male Joan Desilets Award, which is given to the male student-athlete who embodies qualities such as spirit, integrity, and a strong commitment to improving the athletics department.
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