We are celebrating the Hugs for Brady Foundation’s 10th Anniversary! That’s 10 amazing years of helping children with pediatric cancer in countless ways. And none of it would have been possible without you—our generous and loyal supporters. This very special milestone reminds us why we started Hugs for Brady and motivates us to honor Brady’s… [Read More]
Cancer Kid Stories
A Letter from a Sick Child’s Mother
Letters like this one from Zion’s mom, Sara, inspire us. What may seem impossible for families like theirs, you make possible. It’s an exciting time for the Hugs for Brady Foundation. We had a record-setting year from the opening of New Jersey’s first pediatric cancer research lab at Rutgers Cancer Institute, to receiving a grant that… [Read More]
Meet M
Meet M, a courageous 11-year old fighting an illness no child should ever have to face. M was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma of the brain in 2015. She underwent surgical resection of her tumor, six weeks of radiation therapy, and approximately one year of chemotherapy. In early 2017, M’s parents discovered red bumps on her… [Read More]
Helping Families Defray The Cost of Treatment
Meet our friend Luke. Luke is 13 years old and has been battling ALL since 2015. Like so many other families, Luke’s illness has been difficult not only physically and emotionally, but financially as well. Fortunately, Hugs for Brady has been able to step in and assist Luke and his family. Although it is so… [Read More]
Oh my G.O.S.H. – Hugs for Brady goes Across the Pond!
At the beginning of September, the Hugs for Brady Foundation went international and visited the Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London, England. While on vacation with her family, Sherrie took time to visit with this incredible pediatric hospital to learn about a ground-breaking new treatment (photo above is of Sherrie with Dr. Owen Williams, Reader in Cancer… [Read More]
Gala Recap, Sheldon Yellen’s Remarks
This year’s gala was our most successful yet, raising more than $137,000 for the Hugs for Brady Foundation and furthering our efforts to help cure pediatric cancer and improve the lives of those who are battling the horrible disease. We are so thankful to those who donated their time, money and talents to make this night possible. Sheldon… [Read More]
Surprise Donation from Jersey Mike’s Subs!
On Friday, March 11th Dennis & Judi from NJ 101.5 were live at Jersey Mike’s Subs on Route One South in Princeton. During the 10 o’clock hour, Jersey Mike’s Subs’ founder Peter Cancro made a surprise donation of $10,000 to the Hugs for Brady Foundation! He made the announcement live on the air with Sherrie standing by. Sherrie, teary-eyed and… [Read More]
My story is about a baby named Brady…
At 13 months old, Brady was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia. During his treatments, one of his many doctors visits was to an interventional radiologist. That doctor was my dad. My dad and Brady had a special bond because my dad was also undergoing cancer treatments. My dad knew all to well the… [Read More]
Pajamas and Toys Delivered to BMSCH
The phrase “it takes a village” is certainly apt when it comes to the multitude of volunteers and supporters who help bring cheer to patients at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Indeed, employees from Jersey Physical Therapy and local On the Border restaurants have been working to raise… [Read More]
Hugs for Brady Year End Highlights
The end of cancer as we know it is coming soon! Every dollar donated gets us closer to the day when childhood cancer will no longer take our loved ones. We would like to start of the new year by recapping all the AMAZING things that happened at the Hugs for Brady Foundation in 2015…… [Read More]
Goddard School Students Decorate Pumpkins, Raise Money for Kids with Cancer
The North Brunswick Goddard School held a pumpkin decorating contest the week before Halloween… Each classroom of teachers and children decorated one pumpkin which was then put on display in their front lobby. The beautifully and creatively decorated pumpkins were simply labeled with the letters ‘A’ through ‘I’ and a matching collection container was placed in front of… [Read More]
Brady Buggy® Wagon Generously Donated to NY-Presbyterian Hospital
As a former parochial school teacher for over 30 years, Marie SantaCroce has always had a special place in her heart for children. And that only grew after she was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010 and treated at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital where her sister Joan was her stem cell donor. She was no longer able to teach, but wanted… [Read More]
#HuggingHeroes GIANT Group Hug
On October 10th, 2015, during halftime at the Rutgers Football game, we did a GIANT Group Hug on the football field to kick off “HUGGING HEROES” – a campaign to raise awareness for pediatric cancer! Click here to see more photos from this historic event! Over 50,000 Rutgers fans all joined together in a… [Read More]
This is why we do what we do…
These facts about childhood cancer are why we work tirelessly to find a cure and to improve the lives of the kids battling cancer today. Childhood cancer research is vastly and consistently underfunded. Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15 in the U.S. One in… [Read More]
October 10th – GIANT Group Hug at Halftime on the Rutgers Football Field
Be there to witness the start of something HUGE! On October 10th, 2015, during halftime at the 8pm Rutgers Football game, we are doing a GIANT Group Hug on the football field to kick off “HUGGING HEROES” – a campaign to raise awareness for pediatric cancer! Hugging Heroes is a multi-charity campaign designed to promote awareness for pediatric cancer… [Read More]
Local Girl Scouts provide Craft Boxes to Teens with Cancer
These two Girl Scouts are really making a difference for the Hugs for Brady Foundation. What can you do to help children and teens battling cancer? Mary and Sarah put together boxes of craft projects for teen boys and girls on the oncology floor at a local hospital. The idea was all their own. They included instructions on… [Read More]
Let’s Spread Awareness This Fall
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and we need your help as we continue to make strides in the battle against pediatric cancer. When you see the suffering a child goes through in the pediatric oncology unit of a hospital, it isn’t a sight you will ever forget. To us, every child who is currently… [Read More]
Donations from a girl with a BIG Heart…
Vidisha, an amazing 14-year-old young lady from Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, has been doing great things with the Hugs for Brady Foundation! In the past, Vidisha has volunteered at the annual Twilight 5k and Kids Fun Run and has “loved the fun-filled environment!” Then, this past month, she surprised the Hugs for Brady Foundation by collecting several… [Read More]
Wear Your Support This September
September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month. The Hugs for Brady Foundation is always impressed and thrilled to hear about people taking a stand against childhood cancer through their own fundraising efforts. Longtime Hugs for Brady supporter Johnny Volpe has started his own fundraiser and will be donating all proceeds to the Hugs For Brady Foundation! Limited quantities… [Read More]
Blankets for Brady Buggy Wagons
Kwentin Foster is a 9 year old boy with a big heart. For the past two years Kwentin has been making fleece tie blankets for sick children. Along with his grandmother Kathy they make monthly blanket deliveries to hospitals in the Buffalo, NY area. Money for the kid-friendly fabric is raised through cans and bottles… [Read More]
Hugs for Brady Helps Donate Toys and more to RJWUH!
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital Receives Donation from the Hugs for Brady Foundation, Toys“R”Us/Babies“R”Us, Hamilton School in Bridgewater, the middle school’s BRIDGE Club of South Brunswick, local crocheted blanket maker, Pat T., and an anonymous South Brunswick business with a HUGE heart! Article was originally posted on RJW University Hospital Foundation News Page and can be… [Read More]
Hugs for Brady acknowledged by the RWJUH Foundation on Lifetime Donor Wall
The Hugs for Brady Foundation has been acknowledged by the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Foundation on their Lifetime Donor wall. This distinct recognition is only given to donors that have given in excess of $100,000. Hugs for Brady’s donations have exceeded that number and we will continue to support this hospital and the beautiful children battling cancer, who spend countless hours… [Read More]
We ARE Making a Difference – MRI Success Story for Pediatric Cancer Patient
This inspiring story is about a non-anesthesia MRI patient. The patient was a 5-year-old girl who had two prior unsuccessful MRIs at different facilities. It was very important to the patient’s mother that the child complete the scan without anesthesia; the patient’s mother had specifically researched and chose New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital because… [Read More]
American Academy of Pediatrics Features the Hugs for Brady Foundation
American Academy of Pediatrics Features the Hugs for Brady Foundation in their Spring 2015 “New Jersey Pediatrics” Magazine. This was the first time they have featured a story from a mom’s perspective. Read the article below. FAMILY VOICE Speaking to Families: Suggestions from the Founders of the Hugs for Brady Foundation Even as a young… [Read More]
Preschoolers Raise Money for Kids who are Battling Cancer
Sand Hills Preschool in Kendall Park, NJ has partnered with the Hugs for Brady Foundation for the 1st Annual Sand Hills Preschool Bubble Run Exercise Course. The event helped raise funds for pediatric cancer research and to improve the lives of children currently in treatment. The Sand Hills 4-year-old preschoolers ran in a Bubble Run on Friday, May 8th, 2015. The… [Read More]
Lemonade Stand for Pediatric Cancer
Hi, My name is Heera Durga. Myself and my friend, Farheen Ali decided to put in our effort to help children with cancer. We knew that Hugs for Brady was the perfect foundation to donate to after we read the story about Brady and watched videos of similar patients. We were instantly mesmerized in how much… [Read More]
A BIG Thanks to Toys ‘R Us!
Thank you Toys ‘R Us in East Brunswick! Your donation will make a huge impact on the kids who are battling pediatric cancer. This past month, Toys ‘R Us donated toys for boys and girls of all ages. —- We would like to say a special thank you to manager Kedir Webbley and his boss Jonathan,… [Read More]
New Playroom Addition… ēno Board!
Hugs for Brady recently donated an ēno Smart Board to the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital Pediatric Oncology Playroom. The ēno board combines analog and digital content, dry erase markers and digital ink with interactive whiteboard capabilities. This past October, Hugs for Brady helped dedicate renovations made to two Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Pediatric Oncology rooms…. [Read More]
A Dollar and a Dream
Match Zach’s $1.00 donation to help fund a Brady Buggy Wagon! Zachary Denberg is an eager 9-1/2 year old who is in 3rd grade. His teacher has given his class a project called “A Dollar and a Dream”. Zachary has donated his dollar to the Hugs for Brady Foundation in hopes that you will match his dollar in… [Read More]
A Wedding Registry for Charity
By Lita Bernal Carlos and I have been very fortunate and already have everything we could need in life so we would love to make a difference to other people, especially kids. The Hugs for Brady Foundation has stolen a piece of our hearts in the way that they help kids battling cancer. Please take… [Read More]
WATCH NOW! The Hugs for Brady Foundation on NBC’s Today Show
Click play to see a video of Hugs for Brady being featured on the TODAY show! Hugs for Brady’s 2015 goal is to place a Brady Buggy Wagon in every cancer wing, in every children’s hospital, in the United States. This is only possible with your help! During Brady’s countless visits to hospitals and specialists, Sherrie and Michael realized… [Read More]
Hugs for Brady on NBC’s Today Show!
Don’t miss Hugs For Brady on NBC’s TODAY Show, March 10th at (approximately) 9:40am! The segment will showcase how having access to the Brady Buggy can make a child with cancer’s hospital experience immeasurably better. “When I was in treatment, I was already too big to enjoy riding in a Brady buggy. But I saw… [Read More]
Submit Your Child’s Photo To Be On The TODAY SHOW
PLEASE HURRY! NBC’s “TODAY” show is currently producing a Hugs for Brady Foundation segment to be aired as early as next week! All parents that wish to have their child’s photo in a Brady Buggy Wagon on the air, please submit photos ASAP with your child’s name, age, brief comments about the wagon and… [Read More]
SBHS Black Light Dance Raises $2,000!
This past January, South Brunswick High School’s Black Light Dance raised over $2,000 with all proceeds benefitting The Hugs for Brady Foundation! This was the 3rd annual SBHS Hugs for Brady Blacklight Dance. This fundraiser alone has covered 2% of pediatric cancer tumor research at Rutgers CINJ for 2015! 2% might not seem like a… [Read More]
Hugs for Brady Foundation Pediatric Cancer Humanitarian of the Year Award: Reverend Father Robert Lynam
The Hugs for Brady Foundation is proud to honor REVEREND FATHER ROBERT LYNAM as the 2015 Recipient of the Hugs for Brady Foundation Pediatric Cancer HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR Father Robert G. Lynam, pastor, St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, was born to Joseph and Dorothy Yates Lynam in Mount Holly. He has one brothers, Gary,… [Read More]
Dr. Randy Siegel Pediatric Cancer Medical Humanitarian of the Year Award: Dr. Aaron Weiss, DO
The Hugs for Brady Foundation is proud to honor DR. AARON WEISS, DO as the 2015 Recipient of the Dr. Randy Siegel Pediatric Cancer Medical HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR Aaron Weiss, DO is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Maine Medical Center in Portland, ME. Dr. Weiss graduated from the… [Read More]
Ellen Gambatese Pediatric Cancer Volunteer of the Year Award: Bert Baron
The Hugs for Brady Foundation is proud to honor BERT BARON as the 2015 Recipient of the Ellen Gambatese Pediatric Cancer VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Bert Baron is a New Jersey native, and a lifelong state resident. His nearly 20-year radio career has taken him to Philadelphia, New York, and of course his beloved… [Read More]
Pennies are Priceless when Given from the Heart
This is the first year since Brady passed that we decided to put our grief on hold and decorate the house for Christmas. As our 2-year-old twin boys were busy decorating the tree, I heard a quiet knock at the door. When I opened the door a little girl stood there with a letter and a bag of… [Read More]
A Story of a Young Man with a Devastating Illness
By Linda Forbes (Mother of Brian) Our son Brian had the most infectious smile and sense of humor. He loved sports and was an avid fan of game shows and all sorts of trivia. He loved his fiancé, Kerri and his family and friends more than anything. Brian was born with a birth disorder called neurofibromatosis. … [Read More]
Taylor’s Story
Taylor is a six year old little boy who has gone from a routine of kindergarten, to a schedule of chemotherapy, blood counts, and procedures, but has remained true to his halloween costume persona of Iron Man. Shortly before Christmas 2013, Taylor’s mom noticed his leg looked a little swollen. Taylor never complained about pain… [Read More]
Best Friends Helping Others
Last month, a lemonade and baked goods sale was held in South Brunswick. Best friends, Samantha Schneider and Shayna Jiorle (both age 9), hosted the stand. The two girls have chosen to donate 100% of their sales to the Hugs for Brady Foundation. Through their efforts they were able to raise over $200 for the… [Read More]
4 Years Ago Today We Lost Brady
By Michael Wells Four years ago today I wrote the following brief message in my CaringBridge blog: Today, (July 30, 2010) at 5:13am our beautiful loving Brady was pronounced dead. Please allow Sherrie and me a little time to compose ourselves. I will do my best to let you know the “arrangements” as quickly as possible…. [Read More]
Meet Avery
Avery Moskowitz was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma on August 8th, 2013. She soon endured 5 rounds of chemotherapy, a tumor resection, and two MIBG treatments. Avery and her family were introduced to Hugs for Brady Foundation through Robert Wood Johnson. During her time in treatment, Hugs for Brady has delivered books, gifts, and flowers… [Read More]
Joey’s Story
By Carolyn DePalma Joey was diagnosed with Pre-B ALL on Oct 3, 2011. He was 8 years old at diagnosis. He has endured very intensive chemo treatments, hospital stays and countless numbers of spinal taps. While this should have broken him down, it only strengthened his Faith in God and made his will to live stronger…. [Read More]
Noor’s Story
Noor Mahrous is a playful 3 year old toddler who loves to jump around, play with his cat, and watch cartoons. He strives to be like any other 3 year old, and his parents, big brother, and big sister do everything they can to make sure he is happy. Unfortunately Noor spends more time at… [Read More]
South Brunswick High School Wrestling Team Raising Awareness!
The Wrestling Team is seeing RED! Thanks to Stephanie Daniel, the Senior Director and American Board Certified Colorist of UFO Salon & Spa in Somerset, NJ used her talents to color her son’s hair along with his wrestling teammates in an effort draw attention and to support the Hugs for Brady Foundation. This Saturday, South… [Read More]
Sponsor a “Brady Buggy” Wagon Today!
Providing wagons gives children a safe, familiar means of transportation within a hospital. The whimsical animal-shaped wagons are sure to bring smiles to children and adults alike.
Why Kaela is Thankful…
When our daughter Kaela was diagnosed with Osteo-sarcoma (Bone Cancer) just before her fifth birthday January 2007, I remember feeling the weight of the world upon us. We just wanted to hold it together and stay strong for Kaela. She began treatment at The Bristol Meyers Squibb Children’s Hospital and, shortly after, had an above-the-knee… [Read More]
Mike’s New Look
(My) Hair is gone, maybe some day childhood cancer will be too! “ – Mike Wells (Brady’s Dad)
A million ways to pay it forward…
South Brunswick’s Officer Brady Shelcusky and beautiful wife Melissa (pictured above), celebrated their wedding while giving back to the Hugs for Brady Foundation. Officer Brady, who was our very first dunk tank volunteer, decided along with his wife Melissa to help others on their very special day. In lieu of wedding favors they made a donation… [Read More]
What it means to be a Hugs for Brady Foundation Volunteer
By Jenny Martin The Hugs for Brady Foundation holds a very real and special place in my heart. It was during my time as a volunteer with this organization that I first discovered my calling through the joys of giving back to the patients and their families suffering from pediatric cancer. I was working as a… [Read More]
Cancer Warrior – Ryan’s Story
By Ryan Berardi Before being diagnosed with leukemia three and a half years ago, I was very naive to the pediatric world of cancer. I, being a typical high school student, thought that children who were diagnosed with the awful disease were very rare individuals. You always here about instances of a child or adolescent being… [Read More]
Emily and Matt: One Family, Two Cancer Fighters
By Laura Amador The first time I heard about The Hugs for Brady Foundation was at the Max Fitness Center in East Brunswick. They have a coin collection bin near the front. Max Fitness, also, posted on their Facebook page requesting donations for Hugs for Brady. I never pass up an opportunity to donate to… [Read More]
A Survivor on a Mission: Johnny’s Story
By Carla Volpe Here is the story of Johnny and his fight with cancer at seven years old… Jonathan was diagnosed in 2009 with Pre B Cell Lymphoma at the age of seven. The protocol (therapy) for this type of cancer was two years of, intense, chemotherapy; as well as, spinal and cranial radiation. Many… [Read More]
Jump-starting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
A huge thank you to Delanie Meszaros (age 5), Makensie Meszaros (age 5), Abigail Brywka (age 6), and Lily Brywka (age 9) who raised over $170.00 for Childhood Cancer Awareness. Way to go girls!
New Jersey Mayors are proclaiming September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Dear Mayor Kelaher, I have worked at Barnabas Behavioral Health since 1999 as an RN; first as a floor nurse then in an administrative role. I have worked closely with both Deanna Sperling and Peggy Mazza. I am writing you with an immensely important request…to please make an official proclamation to declare September as Toms… [Read More]
Our Hero Brooke… Not All Endings Are Happy for Childhood Cancer Heroines
On April 30, 2012 Shari, Jay, Hannah and Brooke Nudelman were, viciously, thrown into the world of childhood cancer. Up until two weeks before April 30, 2012 Brooke HOPE Nudelman was a happy, playful and healthy looking fourteen month old little girl who loved playing with her older sister, Hannah, and her dog, Bella. Around… [Read More]
Edward, a 12 year old hero…
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – Like a typical 12-year-old boy, Edward Migliore loves to climb trees. The thought that this South Brunswick sixth grader, the son of Paul and Carol Migliore, could today pull himself up the branches of a neighborhood tree, would seem to be nothing short of a miracle to those who know his… [Read More]