Sadly, Jovan lost his battle to osteosarcoma on January 24, 2015.

Jovan’s Story

Jovan, known to his friends as Jovi, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in January of 2013 at the young age of 13. Jovi’s battle began when they found a tumor in his left femur. He has undergone chemotherapy and major surgery to remove the tumor which has been successful so far. Jovi’s strength is inspiring; he even had to learn how to walk again after the surgery. Unfortunately this year a new tumor on his rib (and possible others) were located. He has started more chemo treatment and more surgeries are potentially planned.

Like most teenage boys he loves video games. His Make-a-Wish request is to be a voice in the next Batman video game and they are trying to make that happen. He always speaks about creating a video game when he grows up. Batman and Iron Man are some of his favorite hero’s. Jovi likes the Miami Heat and the Pittsburgh Steelers and although Jovi is primarily shy when it comes to the sports teams he likes they definitely catch his attention.

Jovi’s amazing team of warriors, including Weekawken High School Peer Leadership, West New York Board of Education (for collecting at 6 grammar schools), Hamilton School, in Harrison NJ, Sims Metal Management, the Latin American Motorcycle Association, Pocono Chapter for coordinating a drop off location at the Pocono Mountain Harley Davidson Store, USB Financial Services, and friends from Florida to Brooklyn to Gathersburg have aided in the collection of over 1200 pair of sneakers in the last thirty days. We were originally introduce to Jovi and his Mother when his Aunt reached out to the foundation.

The Aunt’s Pediatric Cancer Story

“The Max Cure Foundation was introduced to me by my friend and colleague from work, Amanda Goldman. She explained the great mission the foundation has and how they strive to bring awareness and funding for Pediatric Cancer research. I took this opportunity to coordinate a donation event with all of our supporters known as “Team Jovi”. With the help of our amazing family and friends we have collected a total of over 1200 pair of sneakers and the donations keep coming.

My personal mission in doing this is to let my nephew know that he is not in this battle alone!! Kids get Cancer too and we fight as one! My nephew is my inspiration and my hero. His smile is one that lights up a room and this has helped him see that so many people close and as far as Florida are helping to bring awareness about this disease and are here for him. He doesn’t fight alone as no child fighting this battle does. I am proud to be his aunt and proud to bring awareness about Pediatric Cancer! #TeamJovi #Wefightasone”

You Can Help Too

By starting a Dunk Your Kicks collection you are making a difference in the lives of those who have children battling cancer, but you are also leaving an environmental footprint while providing jobs to individuals in this country and abroad. The Max Cure Foundation will receive up to $1.00 per pair based on the quality of the sneakers collected. Start a drop-box program, become an ambassador or host an event. There are many ways to help, you just start by clicking here.