The Inspiration Behind the Jay Fund

The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation is named for Jay McGillis, who was diagnosed with leukemia while playing football under Coach Coughlin at Boston College. Coach admired the red-headed strong side safety for his incredible work ethic and intense play.

In the eight months between Jay’s diagnosis and the day he passed away from cancer, the Coughlin family saw firsthand the physical, emotional and financial strains the illness caused Jay’s family. Coach Coughlin vowed that if he ever had the chance, he would create a way to help families who have children with cancer.

Coach Coughlin kept his vow and started this foundation to BE THERE for these patients and families tackling childhood cancer in Jay’s honor. Since 1996, the Jay Fund has provided over $34 million in support to over 6,700 families in Northeast Florida, Southern Georgia and the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area.