Despite battling a rare form of blood cancer, for which he is currently receiving treatment, Tyler Kandel is rejoining a local music group following a years-long hiatus for one special event to benefit The Marisa Tufaro Foundation.

The Metuchen resident and happily married father of two teenage daughters is following a song in his heart to conduct a fundraiser for the foundation, whose executive director, Greg Tufaro, has the same rare form of blood cancer, known as Multiple Myeloma.

Shortly after Kandel publicly disclosed his diagnosis, Greg Tufaro reached out to offer support and has since provided invaluable insight and, most importantly, relentless optimism, Kandel said. Kandel said he was inspired to pay that kindness forward by organizing a charity event in honor of Greg Tufaro’s late daughter.

All donations collected at the door during a March 29 performance (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) featuring classic rock cover band “The Commuters,” with which Kandel will reunite, and “Just Bob” (musician Bob O’Connell) at Hailey’s Harp & Pub located on Main Street in Metuchen will benefit the foundation.

Hailey’s has generously agreed to contribute a portion of the receipts to the foundation, which is also accepting donations online. Both musical acts are generously donating their time and talent to perform, as well.

HELPING CHILDREN IN NEED

Since its inception seven and a half years ago, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has donated more than $375,000 to fulfill its mission of assisting pediatric patients and children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

The nonprofit has also spearheaded multiple initiatives resulting in the collection of thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter coats, baby supplies, school supplies, and other items for donation upon which it has placed no monetary value.

In addition, the foundation has awarded 46 scholarships totaling $33,000 to high school seniors – including Metuchen graduates Caroline Schleif and Michael Lapczynski – and sent 27 elementary and middle school students to a weeklong summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Museum.

Marisa’s parents, Greg and Cyndi Tufaro, established the foundation in their daughter’s loving memory to keep alive her indomitable spirit.

Born with a complex cardiac defect, Marisa Tufaro survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing to a rare form of cancer in 2017 following a valiant battle. 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. She lived a vibrant life that inspired.

CANCER CONNECTION

Kandel said after he received incredible support from Greg Tufaro, which included accompanying Kandel to one of his oncology appointments, he wanted to support The Marisa Tufaro Foundation. The two new friends previously knew each other through their roles in government – Kandel as a Metuchen councilman and Greg Tufaro as State Senator Patrick Diegnan’s chief of staff.

“Shortly after he learned I had been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, Greg called,” explained Kandel, noting since July 2021 Greg Tufaro has been receiving treatment for Multiple Myeloma, including a stem cell transplant, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and cancer-targeting drugs.

“To say that Greg literally rescued me from potentially spiraling into a deep depression is not an understatement. We have continued to stay in constant touch with each other, and I cannot thank Greg enough for his support. Supporting the foundation is my little way of giving back to him and the incredible cause of the work the foundation does.”

Marisa Tufaro, who had eclectic musical taste, would have loved listening to “The Commuters” and “Just Bob.” She took vocal lessons, played percussion in the school orchestra, and performed in two musicals – “Dear Edwina” (Abigail) and “The Wizard of Oz” (chorus) – at Metuchen’s Forum Theater. In addition to supporting pediatric patients and other children in need that the foundation serves, the fundraiser at Hailey’s will also honor Marisa’s memory.

“This wonderful event is going to take place as Tyler continues cancer treatment and nears the scheduled date for his stem cell transplant,” Greg Tufaro said. “I implored Tyler to focus on his health and well-being, but true to his giving nature, he selflessly insisted on orchestrating this fundraiser. Cyndi and I are appreciative beyond words to Tyler and all who are part of making this amazing event come to fruition.”

STRONG SUPPORT

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has received outstanding support from Metuchen residents, including hundreds of high school student-athletes across multiple sports who have participated in fundraisers for the nonprofit.

Those fundraisers include a Mud Run and annual Soccer for a Cause Charity Festival, which the high school conducts and hosts, as well as Greater Middlesex Conference-wide all-star games and events.

“We are eternally grateful to the entire Metuchen community,” Greg Tufaro said. “The overwhelming support we’ve received has enabled our nonprofit to make a profound impact.

“This upcoming event at Hailey’s epitomizes the town’s remarkable benevolence.”