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.
Authenticity
Authenticity drives us to cultivate genuine connections founded on trust and transparency, ensuring that every interaction reflects honesty and sincerity. It's about staying true to ourselves and our values, building relationships that are meaningful and built on mutual respect.
Kindness
Kindness compels us to extend compassion and empathy, creating a ripple effect of positivity that uplifts and supports those around us. It's about fostering a culture of care and understanding, where every action is motivated by a genuine desire to make a positive difference in people's lives.
Passion
Passion fuels our dedication and drive, propelling us to pursue excellence and make a lasting impact in our endeavors. It's about channeling our enthusiasm and energy into meaningful pursuits, inspiring others to join us on our journey of growth and achievement.
Teamwork
Teamwork unites diverse talents and perspectives, fostering collaboration and synergy to achieve shared goals. It's about recognizing the value of collective effort and leveraging our strengths to achieve success together, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Resilience
Resilience empowers us to rise in the face of adversity, embracing challenges as opportunities to grow stronger together. It’s about maintaining courage and determination through every battle, uplifting those we serve with unwavering support, and showing up—no matter how hard the fight.
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.
“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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