Charity Chat: What Is The Andrew Weishar Foundation?: In April of 2010, 19-year old Andrew Weishar was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
A promising student-athlete at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU), he was a standout on campus. Yet, he was known just as much for his kind spirit as his excellent academic record.
With this shocking diagnosis came two years of intense chemotherapy, surgeries, and other setbacks. Andrew passed away on October 12, 2012.
His family established the Andrew Weishar Foundation to “pay forward” the kindness shown to them during his cancer battle. It buoyed their spirits and encouraged them in unimaginable ways.
In today’s Charity Chat, we’re taking a closer look at how this Foundation began and what it includes.
A Future Cut Short
To understand the legacy of Andrew Weishar, it helps to know a little about his life.
The son of Don and Jean Weishar, he was also a big brother to two siblings, Danny and Nic. In addition, Andrew was a grandson, cousin, and loving nephew.
He was also an incredible football player, shining first at Brother Rice High School in southside Chicago and later at IWU. The words that changed his life forever came when he was a freshman in college. Andrew was just 19 years old.
A few months later, he underwent major surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota with hopes that it could save his life. Though physically changed, he remained spiritually and emotionally strong.
Within a year, however, the cancer was back. Though he fought bravely and powerfully, Andrew passed away peacefully in his sleep after an inspirational two-year battle.
A Legacy Celebrated
Though his cancer journey was understandably tough, Andrew’s family noticed that the love and support they felt from their community made it a little more bearable. Andrew noticed it, too.
Before he passed, he asked his younger brother Dan to pay that generosity forward. In 2013, they did just that.
Weish4Ever is the catchphrase of The Andrew Weishar Foundation. In short, this foundation helps cancer patients and their families in three major ways:
- Easing financial burdens
- Delivering joy
- Providing comfort and solidarity
Weish4Ever primarily serves adolescents and young adults, or AYAs. Its mission is to not only aid with direct, obvious costs and issues but underlying ones, as well.
This includes assisting with some of the other issues related to cancer that tend to be discussed less frequently, such as:
- Dating and relationship concerns
- Parenting challenges
- Insurance costs
- Career planning
Through age-appropriate, peer-led support, The Andrew Weishar Foundation helps patients and their loved ones feel less alone. You can read more about the organization online to discover what it entails, as well as the various events and programs it provides.
How to Get Involved With the Andrew Weishar Foundation
The Andrew Weishar Foundation accepts online donations year-round continually. If you’re looking for charities to donate to, then this one should be high on your list. However, how can you help if you want to put more than your dollars toward this incredible cause?
First, consider getting involved in one of the foundation’s two annual events, which include:
- WeishFest
- The Andrew Weishar Invitational Golf Outing
Held in Chicago, WeishFest is a one-night concert event designed to raise money for the foundation. In years past, it has welcomed major recording artists such as Andy Grammer, O.A.R., Walker Hayes, Third Eye Blind, and more. This year’s WeishFest is scheduled for December 2, 2021, but you can watch the 2020 WeishFest@Home concert online.
Then, there’s the Andrew Weishar Invitational.
All proceeds from this annual golf outing go to Weish4Ever. You’re welcome to put together a foursome and hit the links, or you can sign up as a sponsor! Purchase tickets online if you can make the event on September 24, 2021.
Board of Directors
While volunteers are the hands and feet of the Andrew Weishar Foundation, there is an official Board of Directors.
This board consists of six officers, an Executive Board, and an Ambassador Board. Recognized as the team behind the cause, these leaders do more than just sign papers and plan programs.
They’re committed to easing the burdens of each family they come across, whether those challenges are financial, physical, or emotional in nature.
They even came together on a special mission to uplift cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic! You can watch a special message from the President of the foundation, Dan Weishar, in this short clip that describes how they’re helping from afar.
The Ambassador Board
Most of the fundraising events for the Andrew Weishar Foundation are repeat programs that happen each year. The Ambassador Board is an opportunity for volunteers who want to get involved more often.
The board is comprised of a group of people from all over the world who have pledged to donate their time and talents to furthering the foundation’s cause.
If there’s ever an opportunity to help someone in need, then this is the group that springs into action. This may include welcoming beneficiary families, attending events, and assisting with operational efforts.
Wondering just who those beneficiaries might be? The foundation has created an online gallery highlighting all of its participating families.
Discover More Charity Chat Programs
One quick internet search will reveal that there are scores of different sweet charity organizations online, each with a special mission and message.
The Andrew Weishar Foundation is an incredible one, and we’re happy to spotlight it in our Charity Chat today. When you give back, you gain so much more in return. A little altruism can go a long way, especially in these stressful times we’re living in.
For more helpful advice on how to live, work, and play well, be sure to check out the other articles on our site.
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