STRONG LIKE JJ, INC.
BONITA SPRINGS, FLORIDA

After a grueling 12-month battle Jovani earned his angel wings and passed away in our arms on November 20th 2014. Throughout treatment he displayed a courage that is unfathomable, never complained and died fighting to his last breath. His fight was courageous and has made an impact all over the world via friends and social media. The term “Strong Like JJ” was born and thousands have displayed compassion by representing a Superman logo or JJstrong logo on social media, stickers and Tshirts. His story and journey is now used as an example to make a change and raise awareness that childhood cancer is Real and is effectively killing children and destroying families across the globe. Childhood cancer does not get nearly enough recognition or exposure as it deserves. Children are lost to cancer in the United States more than any other disease-in fact, more than any other childhood diseases combined. Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States and is the second leading cause of death overall. How is this rare??? Only 1%, 1 penny of every dollar allocated by the American Cancer Society goes towards pediatric cancer research. And a low 4% of funding is allocated for research by the National Cancer Institute. We are attempting to change this. A push for funding of research for more effective, less toxic treatments so other children just like JJ can have better quality of life and one day, a higher chance than 20%. Fortunately, there is some financial support available by private compassionate foundations to help ease some of the burden. Most of these foundations were started by the parents of children who lost the battle against cancer and want to provide the help they had trouble receiving. It is foundations like these that understand what these families need. There are also some trusted organizations that are fighting hard and funding research to find a bona fide cure not just failed chemotherapy treatments.