Mission: Muddy’s Buddies is a nonprofit, charitable organization that seeks to improve the quality of life of children and their families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other chronic illnesses in the Greater Rochester, NY area.
“MB matches kids with high school and college sports teams, clubs and classrooms. The teams and groups “adopt” a child and the child may become the guest of honor at games, meetings, concerts and other events. Teams and groups share whatever time and efforts they have to be a friend, a positive role model and a support system for the Buddy. The relationship is built on love, friendship, and learning. There is no financial obligation from either side.”
“Muddy’s Buddies also sends families on “Daycations” to local amusement parks, museums, zoos, sporting events, concerts, musicals and much more. A chance for families to enjoy their time together and chance for kids to feel like kids.
The Muddy’s Buddies Impact
“When she first joined our team I was so excited to teach her about life and strength and giving your all. But I quickly realized that I was learning much more from her about resilience, strength and positivity every day.”
“Oh my heart! Everything has exceeded our expectations. That team is an incredibly special group and have given her something to look forward to and be part of. She has always been a spunky, independent kid but really lost so much of that spirit over the past 6 months. To see her run onto that field without even turning to say goodbye to us is so good. So good for her and so good for me!”
“Muddy’s Buddies simply brings out the best in people.”
“We learned to use his strength and courage as fuel for our play… we gave everything we had in honor of our biggest fan.”
“Our Special ‘buddy’ was there throughout the season as our # 1 fan! Several times he moved his Chemo appointments in order to make it to our games! A true TEAM member who sacrificed for his teammates! ”
“We are one big family and would be glad to have him join us.”
“The team just loved him and he loved the team.”
The inspiration of Muddy’s Buddies
Muddy’s Buddies was inspired by John C. Lawrence (aka “Muddy”). John’s adult life and career were dedicated to improving the life of all children. For nearly 20 years, he was a teacher, a coach, a mentor and an advocate for children in New York State, Boston, and Washington D.C. Muddy’s Buddies is an effort to follow John’s lead and aspirations in a way that will inspire children and enhance their lives. John had a way of encouraging children to be themselves and to share themselves. He challenged them to pursue their own interests, desires, and to build upon their own strengths.
John passed away from cancer in October 2008. Although cancer impacted his short life, it does not define it. Instead, his life is defined by all that he was and for all that he did for children. MB hopes to carry on that legacy by creating a network built on friendship, love, support, teamwork and more.
