Friends of JJ is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that brings hope and joy to children and families affected by pediatric diseases. Brenna & Chris Messana, with the help of their family, started this foundation in 2014 in memory of their brother JJ. JJ was 27 years old when he passed away after battling pediatric cancer for eight years.
JJ’s story is incredible. Jerry “JJ” Messana grew up in Monmouth County, NJ. He attended CBA and Monmouth University. Within months of starting at MU, he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. Despite his diagnosis, Jerry never let his cancer stop him. While undergoing countless rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries, he managed to graduate Monmouth University and best of all, marry his college sweetheart. Although JJ was 20 years old when he was diagnosed, Memorial Sloan Kettering placed him on the pediatric floor due to the nature of his diagnosis. JJ and his family spent 8 years in the pediatric wing of the hospital watching newborns, infants, children, and teens battle cancer. This was an eye opening and life changing experience. JJ, being an older “kid” in the hospital, would try to make every younger child smile, a cause Friends of JJ is pursuing to this day. When JJ passed in 2014, the Messana family decided to start Friends of JJ to continue JJ’s efforts to make these children SMILE!
Every Holiday Season Friends of JJ teams up with schools, businesses and organizations to collect presents for children and families spending their holiday season at a hospital. Throughout the festive time of year, with the help of our amazing volunteers, we pick up and deliver toys and gift cards to 25+ hospitals across NJ, NY & PA. Brenna, Chris and their family personally visit with hundreds of pediatric
patients throughout the season and a few lucky families might even get a visit from Santa Claus! We have also loved hosting a Pop-Up-Shop at a local hospital or two each season where the patients and their families can find a fun way to shop for all their holiday gifts without leaving the hospital.
As 2020 brought about changes to everyday life, Friends of JJ quickly pioneered initiatives to reach families in a safe and loving manner. Our Smile Boxes are a way for our organization to help families with sick children in a time when face to face outreach isn’t always the most beneficial or feasible way to lend a hand. Every month, Friends of JJ finds children and families in need in the local community,
through friendly referrals, on social media, etc. and curates personalized gift boxes that would best suit their needs. We have filled boxes with toys, gift cards, grocery store cards, video games, backpacks, fun items and other essentials that help to alleviate some of the burden of having a child suffering from a pediatric disease.
If you know a child in need of a Smile Box, please send us their story and contact information.
Cozy Beds for Pediatric Patients Each season we send blankets, pillows, and item to surprise the incoming patients with Cozy Beds at St.
Peters University Hospital.
Every donation brings a smile. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children. Your donation can provide hope, support, and crucial resources to these brave young fighters and their families. With your generosity, we can fund gifts, programs, and events to benefit these children and their families. Please donate today and be a hero in their journey toward health and happiness.
friendsofjj.org
