Justin

Justin originally experienced neck pain in the spring of 2015 and was originally diagnosed with a benign tumor that was removed.  He was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his cervical spine in July 2015 when he was just 11 years old.  After a 15 month long battle with cancer including four major surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, Justin passed away at 13 years old on August 3rd, 2016.  Justin battled his disease and its devastating effects with incredible grace and courage and was always worried about cancer’s effect on his family.

Justin enjoyed spending time with his parents, Tom and Ronee, as well as his older brother, Brandon.  He enjoyed playing and watching sports, and his favorite teams were the New York Mets, Everton FC, Minnesota Vikings, Golden State Warriors, and the Anaheim Ducks.

Justin was a kind and polite young man who was known to everyone who met him for his beautiful and enduring smile and his sparkling blue eyes.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in the bones. Osteosarcoma is the most common type of cancer that develops in bone. Like the osteoblasts in normal bone, the cells that form this cancer make bone matrix. But the bone matrix of an osteosarcoma is not as strong as that of normal bones.

Most osteosarcomas occur in children and young adults. Teens are the most commonly affected age group, but osteosarcoma can occur at any age.

In children and young adults, osteosarcoma usually develops in areas where the bone is growing quickly, such as near the ends of the long bones.

You can find out more about Osteosarcoma at: American Cancer Society – What is Osteosarcoma?

Justin’s Smile Childhood Cancer Foundation

The Justin’s Smile Childhood Cancer Foundation focuses on raising funds for Childhood Cancer in the following areas:

  • Research
  • Treatments
  • Patient and Parent programs
  • with a special focus on Osteosarcoma

We have received our CT state incorporation, EIN# and IRS 501c3 status confirmation and are a recognized 501c3 Charity.  Donations to Justin’s Smile in the past have been donated directly to 501 (c)(3) organizations including:

  • Arms Wide Open
  • Children’s Cancer Research Fund

We intend to raise funds in the following ways:

  • General Fundraising Campaigns
  • Company Matching
  • Exciting events with friends, family and our neighbors
  • Upcoming Viral events (stay tuned)