Wakefield’s Riley to run Boston Marathon for Joe Andruzzi Foundation

STEPHANIE RILEY

Published in the March 15, 2018 edition.

NORTH ATTLEBORO – The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) – an organization committed to providing help, hope, and a reason to smile for New England cancer patients and their families by contributing financial support when it is needed most – is pleased to announce that Stephanie Riley, a native of Wakefield, will run in this year’s Boston Marathon in support of the Foundation’s mission.

Members of “Team JAF” – the Foundation’s Boston Marathon team – have received bibs in exchange for pledging to fundraise on behalf of the organization through the 2018 John Hancock Non-Profit Program. This is the eighth year that Team JAF will run the Boston Marathon and since 2011, Team JAF runners have collectively raised over $1.4 million.

This is Riley’s third time running for Team JAF. She was one of two members that ran on the first team in 2011 and has been working closely with the organization ever since. First introduced to the Foundation by a co-worker, she was eager to become more involved, as she valued the Andruzzis’ dedication to their mission.

This year, Stephanie is running in honor of her uncle, who lost his battle to stage 4 glioblastoma last March. Her uncle was always emotionally supportive of many cancer patients during his own battle, complete with an “UpBeat” attitude, courage, and strength. In memory of him, Riley is running the Marathon in hopes that she can contribute her own form of support to those in need.

“Seeing first hand the impact that can be made by my fundraising is very inspiring and I hope to bring more families that sense of hope as they courageously fight their battles with cancer,” said Riley.

“There are so many incredible qualities that describe our Team JAF ambassadors,” said Jen Andruzzi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of JAF. “Our runners, like Stephanie, are dedicated, courageous, and positive, and these qualities are what make us proud that she has chosen to run the Boston Marathon in support of our foundation. All of Team JAF’s fundraising efforts will go to helping cancer patients and their families in need and we are so fortunate to have them as supporters of our mission.”

Stephanie thanks her family, friends, and co-workers for their support in her fundraising efforts. To help her reach her goal of raising $10,000 for JAF, visit Stephanie’s fundraising page at www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/joeandruzzifoundationboston2018/stephanieriley.