TCNJam Dance Marathon
TCNJam is The College of New Jersey’s largest student-led philanthropy event. It’s a dance marathon fundraiser that partners with the Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation to raise money and awareness for children battling cancer.
Each year, TCNJam brings together students, faculty, and the community for a night of music, dancing, and activities—all while honoring “B+ Heroes,” children affected by pediatric cancer. Since its founding around 2014, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support research and provide financial and emotional assistance to families.
What is TCNJam?
Each school day, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer. As the leading cause of disease-related death among kids and teens, childhood cancer is a fight we can’t ignore. TCNJAM’S mission is to give every child the chance to grow up—and today, we dance so they can have a tomorrow.
What is the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation?
The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation was created in honor of Andrew, a 14-year-old athlete and honor student from Wilmington, Delaware. On January 27, 2007, Andrew helped his soccer team win a state championship, but just two days later, he went into cardiac arrest and was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Doctors did not expect him to survive the night, yet Andrew courageously fought for 167 more days before passing away on July 14, 2007. Throughout his battle, Andrew inspired thousands with his strength and spirit. When his family learned his blood type was B+, it became their motto—“Be Positive”—a reflection of the way Andrew lived and the legacy he left behind. TCNJam was founded to honor his memory and carry on his message of hope.
"People will never understand how complex Andrew was. Many people saw him one way - maybe as a funny kid, or an athletic kid, or a 'spirited' kid. But, many people didn’t know about the tremendous kindness that Andrew showed, the sensitivity, the intelligence and passion for doing well in school, and so many other things. For one, while Andrew was a super active kid, there was a part of him that LOVED getting dressed up. In this picture, Andrew was 6 years old and insisted on going in ‘business attire’ to a gathering at my brother’s house. And, while I’m biased, I think he rocked it!"
- Joe McDonough