Jack's Drive 55 Charity Events are held to raise funds for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation for research at DFCI and other institutions for PLGG and across the spectrum of pediatric brain tumors.
Our AccomplishmentsWE GOT THIS
Jacks Drive 55 Foundation
Jacks Drive 55 started in 2020 successfully raising an impressive $280,000 benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) which funds research at Dana Faber & Dr. Mimi Bandopadhayay to target inhibition to overcome Resistance and Rebounding of Pediatric Tumors.
Jack's story began on May 20, 2019, when he was diagnosed with a low-grade glioma at just 11 years old. The tumor, located on his brain stem, presented unique challenges and debilitating symptoms such as balance issues and one-sided weakness. Despite these obstacles, Jack embarked on a 62-week rigorous chemotherapy journey and multiple brain surgeries. It wasn't until week 55 that we saw a positive response to the treatment, which is quite fitting, given 55 is also Jack's hockey jersey number.
Our Foundation began with Jack's dedicated hockey coaches - Mike Walsh (affectionately known as Walshy), Chris Pariseault (CP), and Chris Robinson (Robo). These remarkable individuals came together with Sue, me, Deb Ridge, and an amazing number of family and friends (you!) to create a movement that would not only raise awareness but also directly fund a study focused on the specific issues related to Jack's brain tumor.
The collaboration and commitment of this team of coaches were instrumental in getting the fundraising efforts off the ground. Their passion and dedication to Jack's cause have been truly heartwarming and motivating. Together, we aimed to make a difference by shedding light on this important issue and supporting research that could potentially lead to better treatments and outcomes for Jack and thousands of other kids facing similar challenges.
Throughout this journey, we've been blessed with an incredible support network of family, friends, and the hockey community. This unwavering support has allowed us to remain positive and give back in every possible way.
Jack's spirit remains unyielding, and he continues to inspire us daily. He has transformed our hockey tournament events into car shows and fishing tournaments, reflecting his passions and enthusiasm. Jack's positive attitude is truly an inspiration for everyone.
Additionally, we are grateful for the government's investment of another $1,000,000 to further support the research and science to find a cure. You can read the specifics here.
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In The Blink of An Eye
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Tragedy can strike in the blink of an eye with little to no warning. Warning which can be easily dismissed or attributed to something else. For Jack Giorgio and his family, symptoms like "wobbliness" during exercises and difficulty with skating were initially mistaken for the challenges of a growth spurt, masking the Low-Grade Glioma that would be diagnosed shortly after, forever changing their lives.
Mike Murray's Improbable Story of Courage and Survival
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It’s safe to say, Mike Murray is a two-percenter, since (approximately) 2% of all pediatric brain tumors occur in adolescents aged 15-19. But for whatever reason, Mike’s tumor remained unobtrusive until he was 30 years old; yet the doctors are confident his glioma was initiated as a child until the stealth-like growth triggered life-changing events as an adult.
