Tom Coughlin Jay Fund helps local families on Giving Tuesday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Every ringing phone and every answered call on Giving Tuesday was an answered prayer for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation.

“The money that we’ll raise today will provide essential funds for the work that we’re doing,” said Keli Coughlin, executive director for the Jay Fund.

The Jay Fund’s goal is to provide financial, emotional and practical support to families dealing with childhood cancer.

Take Jeremey Rischer. His daughter, Kasey, was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer when she was 5 years old and had to have part of her leg amputated.

It’s been a tough road, but the Jay Fund has been right there with themed parties and more.

“Even on the weekend, she’s not a cancer patient. She’s a kid, and just to have her experience what normal kids take for granted every day – in the midst of her battles. Amazing relief,” Rischer said.

Keli Coughlin took Action News Jax's Erica Bennett behind the scenes of Tuesday’s fundraiser.

The Jay Fund started in 1996 and helps folks in both Jacksonville and the New York/New Jersey metro area.  One of the players Tom Coughlin coached at Boston College developed leukemia and died. Coughlin saw what his family went through, and from that day, sprang into action.

“We knew that if there was an opportunity to give back and to do something to help families in similar situations, we would do that,” Keli Coughlin explained.

Kasey Rischer is now 8, and she is fishing, swimming and doing everything kids do. Her father hopes their story will motivate generous hearts and open purse strings for the Jay Fund.

“My bubble has been popped and I see the real world and I’ll do all I can do to help. So, do what you have to help. You never know when it could be you,” Rischer said.

If you missed the radiothon, but still want to support the Jay Fund, you can do so online 24 hours a day at https://tcjayfund.org/.

Cox Media Group