Supporting Pediatric Patients at RWJ & RUCINJ
Our Roots. Their Fight. One Purpose.
At Fightstrong Foundation, our partnership with the Children’s Specialized Hospital of Robert Wood Johnson and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (RUCINJ) is more than a collaboration—it’s home. It’s where our story began, where our mission was born, and where we return year after year to remind families they are never alone.
From one-on-one support to large-scale donations, this partnership is rooted in strength, compassion, and community.
Our why
Where It All Began
On May 1st, 2021, Joseph Nigro walked into the emergency room at Robert Wood Johnson and, within hours, learned that he had cancer. By 2:00 AM, he was admitted into the pediatric unit, underwent a biopsy, and began a six-day hospital stay that marked the beginning of everything.
Shortly after, Joseph began treatment at the pediatric unit of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (RUCINJ). The experience was overwhelming, but the care he received—from the doctors to the nurses to the entire staff—made all the difference. Their clarity, compassion, and determination gave him strength before he even knew how to ask for it.
That experience is the reason Fightstrong Foundation exists—and why this partnership with RWJ and RUCINJ holds such deep meaning.
Today, the Foundation’s work is a tribute to that transformation—from the red urgency of diagnosis to the purple purpose of survivorship. More than just colors, it represents a commitment to walk with patients from fear to strength, from chaos to clarity.
annual gift giving
Christmas Donation Drive
Each December, Fightstrong Foundation brings holiday cheer to the pediatric units of RWJ and RUCINJ. We work closely with hospital staff to deliver personalized gifts to children battling cancer—whether it's toys, games, clothes, or comfort items tailored to each family's needs.
With the help of Gift Partners, every gift is hand-selected, wrapped, and delivered in person, creating powerful moments of joy and connection. For families spending the holidays in the hospital, these gestures serve as a reminder that they are seen, loved, and never fighting alone.
INITIATIVES COMING SOON
Walk & Roll with Children’s Specialized
This year, we’re excited to support and participate in Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Walk n’ Roll event, a powerful celebration of the patients and families they serve. We’re currently finalizing how Fightstrong will show up—whether through team participation, sponsorship, or a presence that brings joy to the kids attending. Stay tuned for more details on how you can walk, roll, and rally with us.
Supporting the New Pediatric Unit
Fightstrong Foundation is planning a meaningful donation to support the new pediatric unit at RWJ and RUCINJ, helping enhance both the space and the patient experience for future families. From upgraded comfort items to personalized touches that make long hospital stays feel a little more like home, our goal is to ensure that every child walking into that unit feels cared for—not just medically, but emotionally.
request a donation or sponsor a family
Make a Difference
Know a child at RWJ or RUCINJ who could use a little joy this holiday season? Want to help us deliver magic to a family in need?
This Christmas, we’re making room for more stories, more smiles, and more impact—but we need your help.
Whether you’re a hospital staff member submitting a request, or someone who wants to get involved in giving, now is the time.
