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I was 18 years old when friends and strangers brought my family dinners night after night. A decade later, we became those friends and strangers bringing dinners to others.
In collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center, we were able to provide basic necessities and meals to cancer patients in desperate need this holiday season.
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” — Leo Tolstoy, world renowned novelist and philosopher
Each patient we financially assist and emotionally support has unique, medical-related expenses. Each of their families are struck with a tragic shade of uncertainty. Each of their stories began differently yet have led to a similar circumstance: overwhelmed by the costs of cancer.
We started the Meaningful Growth Foundation (MGF) with a simple and challenging vision: to create a supportive community for cancer patients and their families, similar to the one I felt God gifted to me and my loved ones when I was a teenager. When we established our 501(c)3 charitable organization in January of 2021, it took several weeks to raise our first dollar. It took months to find, connect with, and give to our first recipient. It took multiple calls, conversations, and connections to bring what I had in mind into reality.
“The more connected, the more protected!”
Within the last two thousand days, MGF has financially assisted over 250 cancer patients and their families. We have partnered with global brands such as Nike, LMNT, Thorne Healthtech, WHOOP, and the Premier Lacrosse League. We have collaborated with esteemed hospitals such as Moffitt and John Theurer Cancer Centers. We have enrolled an Advisory Group of various industry leaders and a Growth Team of volunteer ambassadors to amplify our mission: provide direct timely financial aid to cancer patients for medical-related expenses. Teamwork makes the dream work.
Here are some of the major highlights from 2025:
- Collaborating with the 3rd largest Cancer Center in the USA, Moffitt
- Powering our annual events with the #1 electrolyte and hydration brand in the nation, LMNT
- Partnering with the fastest-growing professional sports league, the PLL and their Assists team
- Deepening our relationships with like-valued, cancer-focused organizations, such as Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) and John Theurer
- Increasing our YOY fundraising by 50% and more than doubling the number of unique gift recipients.
As an athlete and competitor my entire life, I exclaim enthusiastically: we are just warming up — these first five years of MGF have been full of preparation, practice, and training — it’s game time in 2026!
“Cancer is hard enough to deal with, but asking for financial help is almost just as hard. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation for your generous financial helping hand to support me during my treatment.” — Ron A., Stage IV Cancer
One of the questions I meditate on as we reunite with our loved ones this holiday season: Who needs us?
F: forget
A: about
M: me,
I: I
L: love
Y: you!
Let’s continue to be the light in the dark chapters of cancer patients’ lives (Matthew 5:14).
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, my MGF Family!
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