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 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.