Jamesy Raffone A local foundation has partnered with the Yahoo! Sports Radio Network in a bid to bring attention to a little boy’s battle with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The Raffone family of Manalapan announced that its JAR of Hope foundation is now associated with Yahoo’s “Go For The 2 With Host Joe Lisi,” a weekly program that is produced at Moore’s Tavern and Sports Bar, Route 537, Freehold Township, from 10-11 a.m. Saturday.
The first broadcast was on Aug. 1.
JAR of Hope is named for James and Karen Raffone’s son, James Anthony, who is known as Jamesy.
Jamesy was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in September 2013. There is no cure for the disease and without a cure he will live with Duchenne for fewer than 25 years, according to the JAR of Hope website.
The Raffones said Jamesy, 6, may be a special guest on the Aug. 8 installment of Lisi’s show, which provides listeners with the opportunity to prepare themselves for the 2015 college football season.
James Raffone said he was moved by Lisi’s efforts in trying to help Jamesy.
One of the Raffones’ goals is to get the pharmaceutical industry to start funding research into Duchenne, which is considered an orphan disease because so few children are diagnosed with it.
Raffone is hoping Lisi’s program will inform listeners about JAR of Hope. The program is broadcast on more than 80 radio stations throughout the United States.
Lisi said he is looking forward to working on his new show and to helping JAR of Hope.
“It is an honor to be associated with a great company like the Yahoo! Sports Radio Network and Gow Media. I look forward to making ‘Go For The 2’ the best college football radio show in the country,” Lisi said. “I am also excited to partner with James Raffone and JAR of Hope. They are a great organization and we will help bring awareness to Duchenne muscular dystrophy through our national audience, along with helping to find a cure for Team Jamesy.”
Lisi is a former ABC Sports college football researcher. He owns and operates GoForThe2.com, which provides interviews and expert analysis.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy aggressively attacks the human muscular system and JAR of Hope has a dedicated mission to provide funding for medical needs and cutting edge treatment.
Among the ways JAR of Hope seeks funds for its mission is through Push-Ups for Dollars, a nationwide effort that sees people of all types complete 10 push-ups for a $10 contribution to the foundation.
“I am incredibly excited and enthralled to go forward on our joint venture with the Yahoo! Sports Radio Network,” Raffone said. “It is a huge step for the Duchenne community to be part of a national broadcast, especially with someone of great character like Joe Lisi and GoForThe2.com.”
Guests are welcome to visit Moore’s Tavern on Saturday morning when the radio show is taking place from 10-11 a.m.