Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation Selects Record Number of Scholarship Winners for 2019
17 cancer survivors in New York, New Jersey, and Florida awarded scholarships
New York (June 12, 2019) -The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation is pleased to announce the 2019 recipients of its annual college scholarships for cancer patients and survivors. These scholarships were established to offer hope beyond cancer, providing financial support so cancer patients and survivors can attend college and live out their dreams. This year,17 young men and women were selected and each will receive $2,000, renewable for up to an accumulative $8,000 over four years. This is the largest number of scholarships the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation has awarded in a single year. To qualify, applicants must be residents of North Florida, South Georgia, the five boroughs of New York City, or Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Passaic and Union counties in New Jersey and have been diagnosed with cancer before the age of 21. Winners are chosen based on leadership ability, academic record, moral character, and financial need.
“Each year we announce the recipients of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation scholarships, I am humbled and grateful for the many individuals and organizations who sponsor these awards and allow us to help cancer survivors continue their dreams,” said Tom Coughlin, Executive Vice President of Operations for the Jacksonville Jaguars and founder of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation. “We had a record number of deserving winners for 2019, and I look forward to hearing about their success as each begins a new and exciting chapter of his or her journey.”
Since 2002 the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation has awarded 81 scholarships totaling $510,500 to cancer patients and survivors in New York, New Jersey, North Florida, and South Georgia.
This year’s winners are:
NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
PATRICK BAUMANN
Patrick recently graduated from Fordham Preparatory School in New York City where he was a co-captain of the Varsity Squash team. Patrick was born three days prior to the attacks on 9/11 and has lived his whole life just a few blocks from Ground Zero. In 2009, he was diagnosed with Stage IV Wilm’s Tumor. He currently volunteers as a Senior Ambassador at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum. In the fall, he will be attending Penn State University where he plans on studying Environmental Science.
FIRST DATA CORPORATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
MAGEN CABRERA
Magen is a recent graduate of St. Mary High School in Rutherford, New Jersey. She is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Math and Spanish Honor Societies. Magen was able to excel academically throughout her treatment for High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia which she was diagnosed with in 2014. She is looking forward to studying Finance at Ramapo College in the fall.
THE BARRY FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
MATTHEW HALL
Matthew recently completed his freshman year at the University of Notre Dame where he is majoring in Business with a Sociology minor. In his junior year of high school, he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. During his time at Notre Dame, Matthew has worked on the video staff for the school’s football team and is also a member of the Student International Business Council. As a pediatric cancer survivor, Matthew hopes to use his college degree to benefit charitable organizations in the non-profit sector.
THE KELLY FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
JOSHUA COHEN
Joshua was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in 2016. As a student at Indian Hills High School in New Jersey, Joshua excelled in the classroom and on the field as an honor student and as a member of the varsity baseball team. Joshua will be attending the University of Connecticut in the fall where he plans on studying Business and Finance. He earned a non-scholarship spot as a pitcher on the school’s Division I baseball team. Joshua hopes to share his battle with cancer to inspire and motivate others.
NASCAR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
CHRISITIAN FERRAO
In the early part of his senior year at Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark, NJ Christian was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Throughout his treatment, Christian was able to attain honor roll status and continue serving as a volunteer at Teen Challenge, a non-profit organization that helps those in recovery from substance abuse. Christian has enrolled as a student at New Jersey Institute of Technology where he will study Civil Engineering. Christian believes his battle with cancer has prepared him for future life challenges.
NAZIM CHEEK
In his junior year of high school at the Marian P. Thomas Charter School in Newark, NJ, Nazim was diagnosed with Grey Zone Lymphoma – a rare cancer. One month after his diagnosis, he tragically lost his father. During this difficult time Nazim continued to maintain high academic excellence. Nazim looks forward to studying Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology this fall. He is the first member of his family to attend college and looks forward to a career as a Civil or Mechanical Engineer.
THE TISCH FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
CAMRYN ADJODHA
In early 2017 Camryn was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. Camryn recently completed her freshman year at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan where she is working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration. Her artwork has been exhibited at New York University and has also been featured in various artbooks. Camryn dreams of one day working for an animation studio such as Pixar. Despite her recent battle with cancer, Camryn strives every day to fulfill her dreams.
NY-PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
DOMINICK CULHANE
Dominick is preparing to begin his senior year at John Jay College in New York City where he is studying Criminal Justice. As a child, Dominick was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He consistently maintains a high GPA while working a part time job. Dominick’s father is a retired captain who served thirty years as a police officer in New Jersey. Dominick hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in law enforcement after graduation.
MICHELLE FRANKO
It has been a difficult few years for Michelle. In 2012 she lost her father to cancer and in 2017 she was diagnosed with leukemia. Throughout her challenges she has kept a positive attitude. Michelle recently graduated from North Arlington HS in New Jersey where she was a member of the Spanish Honor Society and the school’s volleyball team. Michelle will be attending the College of St. Elizabeth where she hopes to pursue a career in the medical field utilizing her experience as a patient to help other pediatric oncology patients.
COMCAST NBCUniversal SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
FABIO MIYASHIRO
Fabio was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2006. Although presently feeling melancholy about his recent graduation from high school, Fabio is looking forward to beginning the next part of his academic journey at William Paterson University, where he will study Studio Art. During his high school tenure, Fabio was a member of the National Honor Society, the Color Guard, the Gay/Straight Alliance and the Health and Wellness Coalition. Fabio believes in giving back and volunteers at a summer camp for children with cancer and their siblings. He hopes to continue volunteering in college.
MARCO INNAMORATO
In his sophomore year of high school, Marco was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Marco is a musician who has played the trombone in his high school’s band as well as the New York City- All City High School Band. In the fall, Marco will attend the University of Hartford to study Music and Sound Engineering. Marco also hopes to design new musical equipment. He looks forward to sharing his talent in college and encouraging an appreciation of music in others.
GNHYA VENTURES INC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
MARIA GENAO- CARRASCO
Maria recently graduated from Union City High School in New Jersey. In her junior year, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Despite her battle, Maria worked hard in school and was a member of various clubs. Prior to her diagnosis she was a member of the school’s softball team. In September, Maria will attend Montclair State University and study Human Resources and Hospitality Management. One of her goals is to use her degree to increase efficiency in businesses in low income areas.
LANE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
TIMOTHY KAHLE
In 2003, Timothy was diagnosed with a Brain Stem Tumor. He recently completed his sophomore year at Cabrini University where he studied History and Education. He will be transferring to New Jersey City University in the fall and plans on pursuing a career as a high school History teacher. Timothy hopes to continue his education and obtain a Master’s Degree after he graduates college.
TISHMAN SPEYER PROPERTIES LP SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
ANTHONY ENGLEHARDT
Anthony, a four-year member and captain of his high school lacrosse team is looking forward to his next chapter as a student at Kean Ocean County College. While in high school, Anthony was diagnosed and treated for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He is grateful for the financial assistance and fun events the Jay Fund provided during his illness. Anthony will be studying Business with a concentration in Commercial Real Estate at college. He hopes to be able to give back to the Jay Fund in the future.
TOM COUGHLIN JAY FUND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
BRYCE WILLIAMS
Bryce Williams was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in December 2009. He graduated from Stanton College Preparatory High School and will attend Emerson College where he will pursue a Global BFA in film. While Bryce lost his left leg due to cancer, he has overcome the odds, not letting his physical loss get in the way of his dreams. Bryce is currently the only amputee swimmer in Duval County.
COMMANDER RICK MURRAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
PAYTON TITUS
Payton was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during the middle of her junior year. She underwent several cycles of chemotherapy but remained positive throughout it all. Payton attended Paxon School for Advanced Studies where she maintained a 4.66 GPA, was ranked 8th out of 302 students, and ended her high school career as a four-time varsity letter recipient for swimming and diving. She has truly demonstrated commitment to excel even when faced with the unthinkable. She will attend the University of Florida in the fall where she will pursue a degree in journalism and sports media.
SHERRY MURRAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
GILLIAN VAUGHAN
Gillian Vaughan is a recent graduate of Paxon School for Advanced Studies. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma just three months after starting her freshman year of high school. Immediately following her diagnosis, Gillian underwent surgery removing a malignant tumor and a significant portion of her femur. She continued chemotherapy and physical therapy to learn how to walk again with her new prosthetic. Gillian will attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to pursue her degree in Nursing.
If you are interested in sponsoring a survivor scholarship or donating to the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation, please visit www.tcjayfund.org to learn more.
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About the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation was created in 1996 in honor of Jay McGillis who played for the Boston College Eagles when Coughlin served as head coach. In the eight months between Jay’s diagnosis and the day he lost his battle to cancer, the Coughlin family saw first-hand the physical, emotional and financial strains the illness caused the McGillis Family. Coach Coughlin vowed, if he ever had the chance, he would create a way to help families with children tackling cancer.
OUR MISSION is to help families tackle childhood cancer by providing comprehensive financial, emotional and practical support. From diagnosis to recovery and beyond, we are part of the team, allowing parents to solely focus on their child’s well-being. Our goal is to BE THERE for parents facing the unthinkable so they can be there for their families. To date, the foundation has provided over $11 million in financial assistance and helped over 5,000 families.