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 Amy Pepe, a resident of Boston’s North End, will run this year’s Boston Marathon to support the organization.
On Monday, April 20, Pepe will join Team JAF for the 119th Boston Marathon. Pepe is no stranger to the Boston Marathon, having ran in 2012, 2013 and 2014, though this is her first year training with Team JAF. “I think it’s the greatest race in the world and I wanted to run it again for an organization that celebrates and supports the triumph of the human spirit,” says Pepe. “I love knowing the money raised goes directly to families who require aid and is serving an immediate need.” Pepe is very involved in JAF, volunteering for the organization’s special events.
“We are thrilled to have Amy as a foundation ambassador and all she 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 Amy’s efforts are directly benefitting cancer patients and families in need.
Despite the rough winter weather, training has been great for Pepe. She saves here Saturdays for her long runs and mixes in cross-training with spinning, lifting or doing speed work during the week. The encouragement and support of fellow team members has kept her motivated. “I think about picking up my bib at the expo the weekend before, about how electric the city becomes, about how buoyant the crowd will be, and how I know that sheer excitement will carry me during the race when I need it to,” she says.
Pepe’s family has been extremely supportive of her running throughout the past four years. She is aiming to raise over $7,500. Pepe has been fundraising with the support of her family and friends as well as hosting Super Bowl squares. To donate to her page, 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.
