Tom Brady’s $118,325 charity campaign helped 169 cancer-stricken families(Image via Getty Images)
Tom Brady’s touchdown passes did more than put points on the board during the 2012 NFL season. Through a campaign called Touchdowns by Tom, the New England Patriots quarterback helped generate $118,325 for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, giving 169 patient families a chance to receive financial assistance when they needed it most. The energy company pledged $700 for every touchdown pass Brady threw during the 2012 season. Brady finished the 2012 season, including the playoffs, with 38 touchdown passes. At $700 per touchdown, that brought in $26,600 for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s Patient Touchdown Program. The company matched $16,725 in public donations and added another $58,275 to the campaign. Together, those contributions pushed the fundraising total to $118,325. The foundation announced the result on February 5, 2013, explaining that the money would support 169 patient families through grants worth $700 each. In a statement included in the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s February 6, 2013 announcement, the Patriots quarterback praised his former teammate and his wife, Jen, for their work in the community. In the foundation’s February 5, 2013 post, he explained that the financial assistance could help patients focus on their recovery instead of worrying about household bills. Through partnerships with National Grid, 98.5 The Sports Hub Patriots Radio Network and CBS Radio Boston, grant recipients had opportunities to attend Patriots home games during the 2012 season.
“I’ve been involved with Joe’s Foundation for years, and really admire the important work he and his wife, Jen, do in our community,” Brady said. “They help families who are really struggling to make ends meet at a very challenging time,” Brady added. They also helped families dealing with cancer get some relief from bills that kept piling up during treatment. The campaign started with a simple promise from National Grid. What followed was a fundraising effort that reached beyond the football field, with public donations and additional support from the sponsor helping the foundation reach its goal. However, National Grid went further than its original pledge. The assistance did not focus on medical bills alone. Families could use the money for everyday expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, car bills and heating costs. That support addressed a difficult part of cancer treatment that often gets less attention. Patients and their families still have to manage ordinary household expenses while dealing with hospital visits, treatment and recovery. The foundation’s Patient Touchdown Program aimed to ease some of that pressure. Brady also spoke about why he wanted to support the campaign. He also acknowledged the financial difficulties many families face during cancer treatment. “It’s simply a great cause, and I’m happy I could team up with National Grid and CBS Radio Boston to help out. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Andruzzi, a three-time Super Bowl champion and cancer survivor, also thanked Brady, National Grid and CBS Radio Boston for supporting the programme. The campaign offered families another memorable experience, too. CBS also recognised them during broadcasts and aired special campaign announcements voiced by Brady. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.