Today’s Jay Fund Hero – Mark Wrightington
This low-key, behind the scenes guy with a huge heart knows first-hand what it is like to watch one’s child battle childhood cancer. Mark’s son, Harold, lost his fight against childhood cancer at age 12, on July 4, 2008.
Yet, Mark keeps his son’s spirit alive by volunteering for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation’s many events in New York and New Jersey, as well as several other charities and organizations. He’s at nearly every Jay Fund event, not in the public eye, nor to share his story, but to quietly honor Harold’s memory through his efforts, and in turn help those parents who are facing the unthinkable.
Like it was yesterday, Mark recalled the sheer excitement on Harold’s face when his son opened up a special “NY Giants Package” just for him, mailed by Coach Coughlin to brighten his long days. Mark shared how much his son also enjoyed attending one of the Jay Fund’s first Ice Cream Social with the NY Giants, and how important these events are to the families of children tackling childhood cancer.
Harold was an All American kid with the world at his fingertips. He played outfield in the Palisades Park Little League, loved being active in football, wrestling and soccer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment, he became a Tenderfoot Boy Scout in Troop 379 shortly before he passed.
Mark and Harold are heroes! Mark keeps his son’s spirit alive in so many ways through his volunteer efforts. Just two years ago, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Charities awarded a $2,500 grant to the Jay Fund naming Mark as their 2010 outstanding volunteer. We congratulate Mark for his commitment to supporting the fight against childhood cancer, his time and excellence as a Jay Fund volunteer and of course as a committed Dad forever!
Donate to the Jay Fund in honor of Mark Wrightington, his son Harold Wrightington or in honor of your hero! Every dollar makes a difference, when you have a child with cancer.