The Journey to Recovery

At age 20, Joseph A. Nigro was diagnosed with Stage 2B Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a moment that swiftly altered his life and his family’s. Though they couldn’t have known it at the time, this diagnosis would reshape their lives in a positive and impactful way. By age 21, Joseph was leading his family in launching the Fightstrong Foundation, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those facing cancer. Read below to learn about his journey to becoming cancer-free, starting the foundation, and all they have achieved along the way.

may 1st, 2021

Joseph's Diagnosis

On May 1st, 2021, Joseph Nigro was diagnosed with Stage 2B Hodgkin's Lymphoma. While it was a challenging time, the outpouring of love and support from friends and family was overwhelming. Custom bracelets were made to show support, and a team was formed under the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise funds and participate in the Light the Night walk.

 

may 18th, 2021

Treatment Begins

By May 18th, Joseph began his chemotherapy treatments that spanned four months, encompassing four rounds and a total of eight treatments. In September, Joseph began radiation therapy while simultaneously leading fundraising efforts that culminated in raising $17,000, leading to Joseph becoming the Honored Hero of the LLS Light the Night event.

 

October 12th, 2021

Ringing the Bell

After six months of treatment, Joseph became cancer-free, but the experience left a lasting impact. His experience with cancer showed his family and himself what the power of community and support could do. It was incredible to see how many people rallied behind him and his fight against cancer. They knew that they wanted to use this same community-driven approach to help others who were going through the same thing.

 

May 1st, 2022

Founding the Foundation

On the one-year anniversary of his diagnosis with Stage 2B Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Joseph Nigro and his community celebrated a significant milestone while also launching a new chapter of hope. It was on this poignant day that Fightstrong Foundation was announced, a nonprofit organization born from Joseph's journey and dedicated to aiding those less fortunate in their cancer battles. The foundation's inaugural fundraiser saw an astounding $19,000 raised, a testament to the unwavering support and generosity of everyone involved.

 

September 7th, 2022

Laying the Foundation

It was only fitting that the Fightstrong Foundation's first donation went to Serena, a brave 14-year-old facing the same diagnosis as Joseph—Stage 2B Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This connection felt especially meaningful as Serena embarked on her journey, one that echoed Joseph’s own battle and strength. In support, we provided Serena with an iPad and accessories, a gift that held a special significance. During his treatment, Joseph also received an iPad, which became a source of comfort, distraction, and connection.

 
Our Mission
Our Mission
At Fightstrong Foundation, our mission is deeply rooted in a commitment to improving the quality of life for all individuals currently battling cancer or those who have faced any form of this disease. Through our dedicated efforts, we strive to provide invaluable emotional, practical, and educational support to those in need, ensuring that no one fights alone.
Our Vision
Our Vision
Our vision is to empower individuals to fight back stronger against cancer. We believe in fostering a community where every person facing cancer can access the support and resources they need to navigate their journey with resilience and determination. We envision a world where every individual battling cancer can fight back stronger and live life to the fullest.
1
1

Authenticity

At Fightstrong, everything begins with being real. Authenticity means showing up as we are—honest, transparent, and fully present in every interaction. We don’t believe in surface-level support or empty gestures. Every conversation, every visit, and every connection is built on genuine care and trust. It’s about creating relationships that go beyond a moment—relationships that last, that matter, and that people can truly feel.

2

Kindness

Kindness is at the core of how we operate, but to us, it’s more than just a gesture—it’s an action. It’s the way we show up for families, the way we listen, and the way we care when it matters most. In moments where everything feels uncertain, kindness has the power to bring comfort, relief, and hope. We believe that even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting impact, and that’s what drives us every single day.

3

Passion

Fightstrong was built on passion, and it continues to fuel everything we do. This is not just something we support—it’s something we live. Our passion comes from experience, from connection, and from a deep commitment to making a difference in people’s lives. It pushes us to go further, to do more, and to never settle when it comes to supporting those in the fight. This passion is what turns ideas into action and moments into impact.

4

Teamwork

Nothing we do is done alone. Teamwork at Fightstrong means bringing together people who genuinely care—our team, our partners, our supporters, and the families we serve. It’s about building something bigger than ourselves. Through collaboration, trust, and shared purpose, we create a network of support that reaches far beyond what any one person could do. Together, we are stronger—and together, we create real impact.

5

Resilience

Resilience is at the heart of every story we encounter, and it’s a value that defines both the people we serve and the way we operate. It’s about showing up on the hardest days, pushing forward when things feel impossible, and finding strength even in uncertainty. Resilience is not just about enduring—it’s about continuing with purpose. We carry that same mindset into everything we do, standing beside those in the fight and reminding them that they are never alone.

Our Impact

Since September 2022, Fightstrong Foundation has made a tangible impact in the lives of families facing cancer. Through unwavering support, generous donors, and community-driven efforts, we've been able to turn compassion into action—helping patients feel seen, supported, and strong.

Donated in cherishable items—each one selected with purpose to bring joy, comfort, and hope to cancer fighters and their families.
Families supported through direct outreach, meaningful donations, and one-on-one connections tailored to each unique journey.
Of our spending—outside of operational and volunteer-related expenses—goes directly to families in need, ensuring every dollar makes a difference.
Hospitals and programs we’re proud to support in bringing comfort, care, and connection to pediatric and young adult patients throughout the tri-state region.
“

On May 1, 2021, my son Joseph was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), and so our journey began. We were blessed with so much love and support throughout his treatment that we decided to raise money for those less fortunate. We joined The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Light The Night (LNT) and raised over $17,000. We had over 100 family and friends walking with us.

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LLS 2021 Morristown
Light the Night honored hero
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Joseph Nigro is a cancer survivor, a business administration major, president of the Fightstrong Foundation and this year’s Florham Pinnacle Award recipient. Following his recovery from Stage 2B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, he launched the Fightstrong Foundation to support people who currently have cancer or who have previously battled the disease.

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FDU Class of 2023
Student Pinnacle Award Recipient
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Nigro was a two-year starter on the FDU-Florham men’s basketball team and was an integral part of the Devils first playoff appearance since 2014 in his freshman year, despite being picked to finish last in the preseason coaches’ poll. While Nigro fought hard and is now cancer-free, unfortunately his basketball career as a player has come to an end. He has moved a few seats down the bench and transitioned to being a Student Assistant Coach on the staff.

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Middle Atlantic Conference 2023
GIANT STEPS AWARD RECIPIENT
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The Joan Desilets Award is an annual award presented by Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Athletics to a male and female student-athlete who demonstrate qualities such as integrity, commitment, and spirit.

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FDU Athletics 2023
MALE JOAN DESILETS RECEPIENT