Joe Andruzzi Visits North Attleboro Elementary School Students
NORTH ATTLEBORO (CBS) -- Students at the Amvet Boulevard Elementary School in North Attleboro took a break from their classrooms on Friday and gathered in the gym for a different type of lesson, as they welcomed former New England Patriots offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi.
"I was stricken with cancer. It forced me to retire, and I found myself battling for my life in the hospital," he told the students.
On Friday, they launched a new program called "Amvet Cares," which donates money and supports charities making a difference. The kids raised about $400 for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.
"The funds you're raising, you all are paying it forward. Your helping those in need, and we use it to fund brain cancer research," Andruzzi said.
The students were excited to see Andruzzi wear all four of his Super Bowl rings.
"His fund makes me happy because both my grandmas had cancer, and that is why I am so happy we gave it to the Upbeat Cancer fund," Kylie James said.
Student Andrew Recario thanked Andruzzi and his foundation for helping to save his mother's life while she was going through her cancer treatment.
Sometimes the greatest lessons are learned outside the classroom.
"That gives me chills. I'm honored to be here and it's nice to be here and meet the family and the foundation has helped," Andruzzi said.
