The parents of Michael and Justina Grzankowski have instilled in their young children the importance of paying forward the kindness of others.
Embracing the adage that it is better to give than receive, the Grzankowskis adopt a charity to support each holiday season.
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is honored that the Grzankowski family is once again assisting the nonprofit in its annual toy drive.
All new and unwrapped toys collected this year will be donated to pediatric patients at Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center in Edison and Middlesex County children in need who Hands of Hope for the Community serves.
The toy drive is part of the quasi-annual Marisa Tufaro Classic, a scholastic bowling tournament involving 20 Central Jersey high schools from which all proceeds benefit The Marisa Tufaro Foundation. This year’s event will be held Dec. 2 at Majestic Lanes in Woodbridge.
PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK TO SUPPORT THE TOY DRIVE
Toys donated to Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center in Edison will meet the needs of pediatric inpatients and visitors to the hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Department, who can benefit at any time from a diversion to help cope with the anxiety and pain that can accompany treatments, medical procedures, and extended admissions.
Parents of hospitalized children, some of whom are overwhelmed with medical bills and other related costs, may not be able to afford presents or are so consumed with caring for their ill child that shopping, even online, is not a possibility or a priority.
Toys donated to Hands of Hope for the Community will be distributed to Middlesex County children in need during an event next month at Saint James Episcopal Church in Edison. Until the pandemic struck, the event was an annual holiday tradition of the nonprofit, which is elated to revive its toy giveaway through the generosity of others.
Born with the same severe cardiac defect as The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s namesake, Michael Grzankowski is thriving after undergoing three open-heart surgeries to correct a congenital anomaly known as hypoplastic left-heart syndrome.
Michael underwent his first reconstructive operation six days after he was born, had his second repair six months later, and underwent his third open-heart surgery in 2018 at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which pioneered the life-saving intervention.
The 9-year-old, who has been virtually fearless and remarkably resilient through his multiple surgeries and cardiac catheterizations, is an inspiration.
Michael was recently named Student of the Month at Memorial School in his native Laurence Harbor and just completed a fall championship season with Sayreville Baseball Club’s 9-U, comprised of talented players from Old Bridge and Sayreville.
Much of Michael’s life revolves around baseball. The sport has led to relationships with the South Amboy High School and Somerset Patriots baseball teams, both of which have embraced the inspirational boy.
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation honored Michael for his community service during a 2021 Greater Middlesex Conference Baseball Coaches Association Charity Golf Outing. He served as the ceremonial starter for the event, where Michael and his family, including 7-year-old sister Justina, were recognized for spearheading a drive with relatives, friends, coworkers, and others that resulted in the collection of hundreds of toys for The Marisa Tufaro Foundation to donate to pediatric patients and children in need.
“We are eternally grateful to Jennifer and Mike Grzankowski and their wonderful children for all they have selflessly done to help others,” said Cyndi Tufaro, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s executive director. “This family has been through so much, yet they continue to give so generously of themselves. They embody the true spirit of the holiday season. We hope their kindness is exponentially returned.”
Marisa Tufaro survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing in 2017 after a valiant battle to a rare form of cancer. She was just 13 years old.
Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctors’ appointments, Marisa was an Edison Township Public Schools honor roll student involved in myriad extracurricular activities.
Established in her loving memory six years ago, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has donated more than $300,000 to fulfill its mission.
The nonprofit has also donated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter jackets, baby supplies and other items upon which it has placed no monetary value.
In addition, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has awarded $29,500 in academic scholarships to 42 Middlesex County high school seniors and 13 scholarships to elementary and middle school students to attend a weeklong summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Art Museum.
“As some of you may know, every year we have Michael choose a foundation to donate for the holiday season,” the Grzankowskis wrote in a Facebook post. “We try to incorporate something that has helped us or has had an impact on our outlook at the holiday and our family. With this being said, he decided this year to join the Marisa Tufaro Foundation and give back with them.”
“The Marisa Tufaro Foundation not only has tried to help us during Michael’s hard times but has become family to us. The foundation honors one of our own heart angels, Marisa.”