The Jay Fund Foundation, established by New York Giants two-time Super Bowl Champion head coach Tom Coughlin, hosted its annual ice cream ‘Sundae Blitz’ event, with over 250 family members who are tackling childhood cancer in attendance.
It’s a behind-the-scenes experience for both kids and parents to enjoy, as they go inside the player’s locker room, get to run out of the Giants' entrance tunnel, play on the field, plus get treated to food afterward. Of course, the best part is that the kids get to make their own ice cream sundae, in a fun-filled day alleviated from stress.
“It brings all The Jay Fund Kids together, with their parents, with their siblings, so that they might spend a day away from cancer,” said Coughlin. “There’s food everywhere, it’s a day to hydrate but when we come back inside at the end of the day, that’s when you see the ice cream sundaes.”
One of the great benefits of families who are invited is that they get to share their extremely difficult circumstances and understand that there are others out there who have also been impacted by children’s cancer. For the kids, it’s a day off from the disease. No treatments, no needles, just kids being kids and having fun.
“It’s a great event, I come every year,” said Giants Ring of Honor inductee Chris Snee. “You’ll see a lot of smiles, a lot of former players come back, it’s just a great opportunity to be around the kids, which is what it’s all about.”
The Jay Fund, created in honor of former Boston College player Jay McGillis, whose fight against Leukemia created a lasting legacy, has distributed more than $20M to nearly 6,000 families in need across the United States, since its inception in 1996.
“Every year it’s one of the most inspiring opportunities to be of service,” stated Super Bowl folklore hero David Tyree. “The Jay Fund and their track record of impact, even more so just to see the smile on these kid’s faces, get a chance to be a part of this journey and have a day free of care and concern. Obviously, there’s no better place to do that than right here at MetLife Stadium, home of the greatest team, the New York football Giants.”
Other attendees included Giants Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Harry Carson, who along with his wife Maribel, was honored at the Jay Fund Champions for Children Gala last October, in addition to newly signed Giants veteran defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, who made it a point to stop by after practice wrapped up to spend time and take in photo opportunities with the families in attendance.
With over 25 years of serving children with cancer, The Jay Fund has proven to ‘BE THERE’ for families in need. If you would like to support the foundation or learn more, please visit their website at: www.tcjayfund.com.
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