The Bellamy and Sons Paving Marisa Rose Bowl Most Valuable Player Trophy has been named in honor of Dr. Joseph Gaffney, under whose loving care Marisa Tufaro was for her entire life.

The award will be presented to the top performer of the charity all-star football game, which kicks off Thursday, June 29 at Woodbridge High School’s Nicholas A. Priscoe Stadium at 7 p.m.

Dr. Gaffney is a professor of pediatrics and division director, pediatric cardiology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

Simply put, of all the outstanding medical care Marisa was blessed to receive, no physician was more valuable to the Tufaro family than Dr. Gaffney.

All proceeds from the Marisa Rose Bowl benefit The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, which assists pediatric patients and underserved children throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

Since its inception less than six years ago, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has donated more than a quarter of a million dollars 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 high school graduates and an additional 13 scholarships for middle school and elementary school students to attend a weeklong summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Art Museum.

Marisa Rose Tufaro survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing to a rare form of cancer in 2017 following a valiant battle.

Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctor’s appointments, Marisa was an honor roll student involved in myriad extracurricular activities who lived a vibrant life that inspired.

Dr. Gaffney has served on The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s Board of Trustees since the nonprofit was formed in July 2017. He addressed the players, cheerleaders and their parents during last year’s inaugural Marisa Rose Bowl press conference.

Dr. Gaffney will forever hold a most special place in the hearts of Marisa’s parents, Cyndi and Greg, who are forever indebted to his loving care.