In Honor of James Pettine ​​

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James Pettine (JP) was a loving brother, son, nephew, grandson, and friend who passed away in 2006 at the far too young age of nineteen. JP was an extraordinary young man, whose compassion, creativity, and courage touched everyone who knew him. His battle with cancer was marked by remarkable strength and perseverance, qualities that continue to inspire us every day.

 

JP Innovation Project was founded by James’s younger brother, Aaron Pettine (AP), as a way to honor James and keep his remarkable spirit alive. Our nonprofit is driven by the legacy James left behind, and it is his values that guide everything we do. Our mission is to create opportunities for under-served youth communities, connecting and inspiring them just as James would have wanted.

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Unfortunately, he faced immense challenges, battling an aggressive and rare form of cancer. Over 26 months, James displayed extraordinary strength and perseverance. His journey was marked by relentless pain, countless treatments, and profound suffering, yet he continued to "battle through life" with an unwavering spirit. James endured months of chemotherapy, hospital stays, and uncertainty. Even when faced with unbearable pain, misdiagnoses, and the grueling treatments that followed, James never lost his spirit. He continued to battle through life with extraordinary courage, bringing light to those around him even in his darkest moments.

 

Our hope is to ensure that James's legacy continues to make a difference in the lives of others, providing opportunities, inspiration, and hope to those who need it most. Thank you for supporting JP Innovation Project and helping us keep James’s spirit alive.