Joe Andruzzi (left) with a patient at Sturdy Health.Photo: Kim Tunnicliffe/ WBZ NewsRadio
ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — There were no tricks, just all treats at Sturdy Health in Attleboro Tuesday.
Former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi, three-time Superbowl Champion, and former cancer patient, paid a visit to oncology patients and staff on Halloween day.
Andruzzi came prepared, dressed as Captain America armed with lots of candy and an upbeat message of love, hope, and healing.
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) has been providing cancer patients and their families support and reasons to smile since 2008.
JAF has given more than $10 million to patients and their families throughout New England.
Andruzzi knows what these patients are enduring.
He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2007 at the age of 31 ending his NFL career.
After treatment, he was diagnosed as cancer-free in 2008. "Sixteen years ago, I was in their shoes," Andruzzi said. "I was in this room, sick, bald, no fun. But to be able to come back here to the fusion room and see the smiles no matter how sick they are..."
Some of the patients were moved to tears during the visit.
WBZ's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) reports.
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