About Jay’s Hope
Jay’s Hope was created in memory and honor of Jay Burger. Just 24-years-old, and a proud University of Iowa graduate and loyal member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Jay lost his courageous battle with bone cancer June 25, 2016.
Jay’s Hope not only honors Jay’s unmatched strength – the foundation has allowed his strength and hope to be extended to other young adults fighting their own cancer battle. The shield design of the Jay’s Hope logo represents both Jay’s warrior strength and lasting impact he had on so many. While a cancer diagnosis is difficult at any age – for a young adult it brings unique challenges. Caught between the world of a child not fully aware of what lies ahead and an adult matured with coping skills– young adults often fall through the cracks.
Thank you for supporting Jay’s Hope so that other college students and young adults battling cancer will have a source of strength and hope to lift their spirits, lighten their worries and brighten their day as they brave their battle.
Thanks to our generous supporters, Jay’s Hope has issued hope grants to four young adults battling cancer, supported the opening of the Chicago Bulls Teen Lounge at Advocate Children’s Hospital – Oak Lawn and has supported the Kids, Cubs, Cactus annual trip to Spring Training with medically fragile young patients over the last two years. And there is much more to do….
Jay Burger
Jay Burger was born November 20, 1991 in Houston, Texas to proud parents Kelly Jo Golson and James Burger. After moving to Batavia his freshman year in high school, he graduated from Batavia High School in 2010. Jay graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor degree in Marketing in 2014. At Iowa, Jay was an active member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity – a place he met an amazing group of young men that he cherished as friends.
Jay was a well-rounded young man – handsome, intelligent, loyal and outgoing. Above all else, family and friends always came first for Jay. His commitment to those he loved was felt deeply by all of us who adored him and those strong bonds of love will remain unbroken for an eternity.
Jay had a zest for life that never fizzled despite his 20-month battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma. He was a true hero, fighting with every ounce of strength to his last breath. Jay lost his courageous battle with bone cancer June 25, 2016. He is remembered as a best friend, amazing brother, remarkable son and resilient warrior like no other.
Go rest high on that mountain our beloved Jay – while you will continue to light our world here – we so look forward to the day we are reunited once again.
Make a Donation
Thank you for supporting Jay’s Hope so that other college students and recent college graduates battling cancer will have a source of strength and hope to lift their spirits, lighten their worries and brighten their day as they brave their battle.
Events
SAVE-THE-DATE
9th Annual Jay’s Hope Golf Tournament
8th Annual Jay’s Hope Golf Tournament A Success!
Thanks to you we once again had a full field and a great tournament on July 29th. Thank you to our generous sponsors and golfers who waited out the rain delay for what ended up an amazing day! Pictures can be found here!
2024 Jay’s Hope Chicago Marathon Team
Please consider supporting one of Jay’s Hope marathon runners as they take on 26.2 miles at the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 13, 2024.
Congratulations to our 2023 Jay’s Hope Marathon Team!
Congratulations to our 2023 Jay’s Hope Marathon Team. All dollars raised went directly to Jay’s Hope to provide support and hope for college students battling cancer.
If you are interested in taking on 26.2 miles and raising funds for this worthy cause, please email us.
Jay’s Hope participates in Cubs for a Cure
August 17, 2024 Jay’s Hope was honored to join the Chicago Cubs at the Cubs for a Cure event to raise funds and awareness to find a cure for cancer. Members of our Board were in Gallagher Way throughout the game to share information about Jay’s Hope while two of our honorees were able to meet several players and enjoy the game. Special thanks to Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg who spent some time with our honorees and to Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon who not only spent time with our honorees, but who dedicated his custom cleats to spotlight Jay’s Hope and our honorees. His cleats will be auctioned along with other memorabilia to raise funds for cancer research.
Past Events
Eight Annual Jay’s Hope
Golf Tournament
7th Annual Jay’s Hope
Golf Tournament
Chicago Bulls Teen
Lounge Dedication
Jay’s Hope Second Annual
Golf Tournament
Jay’s Hope Honorees
Meet Brice (18)
Bryce has been battling brain cancer for the last five years. After suffering debilitating headaches in 2019 followed by partial paralysis, Brice was diagnosed with glioblastoma. While he was initially told he had just weeks to live, he underwent multiple
surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy and extensive occupational therapy to slowly regain strength and beat the odds. Brice credits his mom who he says “never left his side” along with his entire family and “buddies” to getting him back home to start his life again. In
In recent months, Brice’s tumor has returned. “I been waking up each day just thankful and living my life, creating experiences and making memories. I’m not afraid to die because I believe in a higher power, and I know in Heaven I will have no pain and it will truly be a magical place.” Brice said. We presented him with a grant earlier this summer and in August he was able to join Jay’s Hope at the Cubs for a Cure game where he met with two players and enjoyed the game!
Meet Brooks (22)
Brooks was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia November 2020 as a senior in high school. He completed almost 3 years of treatment and relapsed November 16th 2023. He then was approved for a new treatment- Car T Cell Therapy and underwent cell replacement in February 2024 through the University of Minnesota. Brooks just had his 6 month check in July and he is currently cancer free! Brooks, along with his friends and sister, were able to join Jay’s Hope at the Cubs for a Cure game this summer. In addition to meeting with several players and spending some time on the field, Jay’s Hope surprised Brooks with a grant at the game.
Meet Lance
“In August of 2018, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I was about to start my junior year of high school. I completed 3 1/2 long and difficult years of treatment and was cancer free. I moved away to attend college at Texas State and was enjoying the college experience. I was able to get a part-time job at a restaurant and was studying hard to be an accountant. In December of 2023 at my regular oncology check-up, I received the terrible news that my cancer had come back. I had to break my lease and move back home to begin treatment. It has been a difficult journey filled with many unpredictable challenges, but I have continued to take classes at Texas State and most importantly I remain hopeful and positive about my future although it looks a lot different than I planned.
Nothing in this world can prepare you for having cancer, but a grant from Jay’s Hope would be a great blessing. It would allow me some normalcy in this challenging journey ahead of me. I am so appreciative of your organization and your mission to help us young adults that are often overlooked. Thank you for giving us hope!” Jay’s Hope was honored to provide Lance with a grant in August 2024.
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