Published in the March 15, 2018 edition
NORTH ATTLEBORO – The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) – an organization committed to providing help, hope, and a reason to smile for New England cancer patients and their families by contributing financial support when it is needed most – is pleased to announce that Ali Pepe, a North Reading resident and lacrosse coach at North Reading High School, will run in this year’s Boston Marathon in support of the Foundation’s mission.
Members of “Team JAF” – the Foundation’s Boston Marathon team – have received bibs in exchange for pledging to fundraise on behalf of the organization. This is the eighth year that Team JAF will run the Boston Marathon. Since 2011, Team JAF runners have collectively raised over $1.4 million.
ALI PEPE, second from right, will be running the Boston Marathon for Joe Andruzzi’s (center) Foundation. (Courtesy Photo)
Ali was introduced to JAF and its mission by her sister, Amy, who will also run the Marathon with Team JAF. After seeing her sister’s involvement with the organization over the past four years, Ali wanted to be a part of it. Ali, who has seen firsthand what it’s like to watch a loved one battle cancer, as her mom, grandmother, and aunt were all diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, is excited to help make a difference. This year, she will run in memory of her Papa Aloisi and Aunt Gina, who she recently lost to stage 4 liver cancer.
The Boston Marathon will be Ali’s first time running a marathon – in fact; training was her first time running more than seven miles. While training can sometimes be challenging for her, Ali approaches the toughness with strength, determination, and smarts, as she knows that there are others who don’t have the opportunity to run at all. To stay motivated, she incorporates spin, yoga, and barre into her regimen to lessen the risk of injury. She also gets by with a great playlist and motivation from her Aunt Gina, who Ali says she can feel right beside her during runs. Since she knows that she couldn’t fight cancer for her aunt, she’s glad she can help support her battle.
“There are so many incredible qualities that describe our Team JAF ambassadors,” said Jen Andruzzi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of JAF. “Our runners, like Ali, are dedicated, courageous, and positive, and these qualities are what make us proud that she has chosen to run the Boston Marathon in support of our foundation. All of Team JAF’s fundraising efforts will go to helping cancer patients and their families in need and we are so fortunate to have them as supporters of our mission.”
Ali hopes to honor her family members and make an impact by reaching her fundraising goal of $10,000. She plans to host a variety of fundraisers in the coming months, including a joint fundraiser with her sister, Amy, at BreakAway in Danvers on April 7. To help Ali reach her goal, visit her fundraising page at: www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/joeandruzzifoundationboston2018/alexandrapepe.
