Remembering Timbuck2 - The Timothy Francis Jones Foundation with our own DJ Mike P, 12/20/17 11:44AM
Two years ago, the beloved DJ "Timbuck2" lost his life to cancer. He worked next to artists like Common, Kanye West, Vic Mensa, and more. Our DJ Mike P had the chance to sit down with Tim's good friend, DJ Boi Jeanius, to learn about the man he was and the legacy he left behind.
Article and video courtesy of WCIU TV's The Jam.
We were proud to partner with 107.5 WGCI to promote the 2017 edition of the Timbuck2 Forever tribute. Over the course of two days, WGCI welcomed us into their studios to conduct interviews about our foundation and our year-end event. Our first stop was the popular "Chicago Morning Takeover" with Kyle Santillian, Kendra G and Leon Rodgers. You can watch the entire segment by clicking on the above link courtesy of WGCI. Long time supporter, Leon Rodgers, greeted us and introduced everyone to Kendra G and Kyle. Demo Salazar, Shareeff Williams, Rich Lomax and Bernadette and Ed Jones represented the foundation. The Takeover crew put us at ease and guided us through our very first media interview. It was a pleasure meeting everyone and we hope you will support them as you have supported us.
Our next stop was an interview with Darryl Dennard. Dennard is the distinguished news anchor and producer for WVAZ, WGCI and WGRB on iHeart Media. The experience of being interviewed by Darryl was a welcome education on how to get our message heard. Thank you, Darryl!
Day Two consisted of interviews with two of WGCI's best known on air personalities, Tone Kapone and DJ Moondawg. In two sessions, we discussed details about the Timbuck2 Forever tribute and explain the foundation's purpose and goals. It was a homecoming of sorts to return to the same studios Tim spent so much time. It was fitting that our last interview was with DJ Moondawg since he was Tim's on air co-host for the GoILL radio show that showcased Chicago talent such as Cool Kids, Rockie Fresh, Vic Mensa, and Chance the Rapper.
WGCI is the Chicago radio station that took a chance on a young turntablist in 2004 and helped DJ Timbuck2 display his unique style of music to listeners daily. By hiring Tim, who already had a large club presence, WGCI started a relationship that included the "Drive at 5" and "GoILL Radio" shows. This relationship lasted over 10 years until Tim's health made it impossible to perform. Our thanks go to WGCI and the radio personalities who helped us promote our event and spread our message to the Chicagoland area.
Video courtesy of 107.5 WGCI.
This Timbuck2uesday was a special event. The house was packed for a night of fun on a beautiful summer evening. Philadelphia based Mitchell & Ness, presided over our weekly event at the Beauty Bar in Chicago. This well-established firm is a major purveyor of authentic vintage jerseys and apparel collections for the MLB, NFL, NBA, NCAA and MLS. With DJ Boi Jeanius as emcee, Mitchell & Ness presented the foundation with a donation that had special meaning. The check was for the amount of $1,981 honoring the year Tim was born. The check was presented on stage to members of the foundation who were in attendance.
To cap off the evening, Chicago born recording artist Vic Mensa stopped by to show support. Vic Mensa, who met Tim early in his career, performed several songs and spoke of his memories of Tim. His appearance brought the evening to a different level for an appreciative audience. Vic is currently touring and enjoying the success of his new album “Autobiography”.
We would like to thank Mitchell & Ness, the Beauty Bar, DJ Boi Jeanius, Shareeff Williams and Vic Mensa for their support. We hope you will check out and support our friends at Mitchell & Ness, the Beauty Bar and Vic Mensa.
Video created by Miguel Cisneros. miguelc219 on Instagram and Twitter.
Our organization was honored to participate in the University of Illinois Health Cancer Center’s open discussion with the Lacks family. The community discussion revolved around the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African-American woman, whose cells (HeLa cells) were taken without permission and used to foster major breakthroughs in medical research such as the cure for polio. Moderated by Dr. Karriem Watson, Mrs. Lacks descendants, Shirley Lacks, Jeri Lacks Whye and Veronica Robinson, spoke on several topics such as the need for families to own their family health history, to actively participate in healthcare and to move past mistrust of medical research. Another panel, led by Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron of the National Institutes of Health, touched on bioethics, precision medicine and research, the importance of having an open two-way patient-doctor relationship and the need for competent, community-based healthcare.
The forum was proceeded by a luncheon attended by UI Health Cancer Center staff, the Lacks family, Patient Brigade members, state elected officials and several appointed state and federal officials. The discussion was followed by a book-signing event for “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”. The afternoon’s activities were concluded with a film screening of the HBO movie of the same name. For more interesting information on this event and pertinent information for your health, visit our friends on Twitter @UIHealthCancer, @AIDSChicago or on Facebook at UI Health Cancer Center or AIDS Chicago.
Photos courtesy of UI Health Cancer Center and the TFJ Foundation.
Trailer created by HBO.
After his transition in 2015, a memorial fund was established in Timothy Francis Jones’ name on the Rush University Medical Center website. In lieu of flowers, family, friends and fans were encouraged to donate to this fund, which goes to cancer research. As a family, we make annual contributions instead of Christmas presents. Through the thoughtful generosity of many individuals, we have reached our goal of $5,000. Many donated what they could and some gave anonymously. Some even donated multiple times to help reach our goal and honor Tim’s memory. This fund was our first attempt at establishing Tim’s legacy and we can never show enough gratitude to those who helped us reach this goal.
Photo by Nolis Anderson.
Photos courtesy of Lurie Cancer Center, Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative and Demo Salazar.
As a result of our March meeting with the University of Illinois Health Cancer Center, the Timothy Francis Jones Foundation joined with UI Health Cancer Center Patient Brigade. The Brigade is composed of cancer patients, clinicians, researchers, and advocates who come together to learn about and discuss the challenges faced, lessons learned, and benefits of patient-centered cancer care research. We’ve been represented at several meetings by board members Rich Lomax and Demo Salazar. In the spirit of teamwork, Demo joined with members of the Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative today for a 5k walk in Grant Park. The Lurie Cancer Survivors Walk #LurieCelebrates annually brings together cancer survivors, family and friends to celebrate the survivors’ journeys. We will bring you more information on the Patient Brigade as it develops. You can visit us on Facebook at the Timothy Francis Jones Foundation, UI Health Cancer Center or Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative.
Video created by Lurie Cancer Center for their 2015 Cancer Survivors' Celebration Walk & 5K.
The Timothy Francis Jones Foundation was proud to be a part of Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago’s 30th NeighborWorks Day event - Community Resource Fair. The fair took place at the Montessori School of Englewood. Volunteers from a diverse group of companies and community organizations spent the morning working to improve the school’s garden. Lunch was provided and was followed by the resource fair. Booths were set up by ourselves, NHS, the Chicago Police Department, local banks and healthcare providers to provide information on services available to the community. Foundation supporters Shervon Coleman and Howard Bailey joined us. It was a beautiful day to spread our message about men's health and to make new friends. We look forward to working with NHS in the future. Find out more on Facebook at Montessori School of Englewood and Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago.
Photos by Neighborhood Services and the TFJ Foundation.
Mother’s Day 2017 was a memorable day. Mark and Laura Jones of the Jones Equipment Co. Inc. made a generous contribution to the Timothy Francis Jones Foundation. Mark and Laura are Tim's uncle and aunt. The donation is earmarked toward fulfilling the memorial fund goal established in Tim’s name at Rush University Medical Center. The foundation is grateful to them for helping us close in on our goal of $5,000.
Photos and video courtesy of James Jones.
Thanks to your support, the Timothy Francis Jones Foundation was able to present another grant in Tim’s name on March 10, 2017. The University of Illinois at Chicago Cancer Center is the same hospital in which Tim participated in a drug trial under the direction of Dr. Arkadiusz Dudek. The fact that these trials and research are not free is often overlooked. The hospital, manufacturers, insurers and patients all contribute to cover costs. Foundation board members presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to the Cancer Center for their research. Accepting for the university were Dr. Robert Winn, Chancellor Robert Barish and Alberto Cabrales. Dr. Winn is director of the University of Illinois Cancer Center.
After the presentation, we collectively started a dialog on our common goal of making health care more effective in under-served areas. The meeting was attended by the foundation’s board, both Dr. Winn and Dudek and members of Dr. Winn’s staff. All parties left the discussion informed and the foundation for a long term partnership was laid. Our organization looks forward to working with Dr. Winn on improving the healthcare disparities in under-served areas.
Thank you to the University of Illinois Cancer Center for their hospitality and thanks to all of you who helped make this grant possible.
February 24, 2017 was a landmark date for the Timothy Francis Jones Foundation. The day marked our organization’s initial step toward realizing Tim’s wish of bringing comfort to others fighting cancer. It was only fitting that our group’s first contribution should be given to the place that helped bring comfort to Tim, Rush University Medical Center.
In a small ceremony at the Cancer Center’s 10th floor office, the foundation’s board members presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to Nicklas Pfanzelter, MD. Dr. Pfanzelter, who specializes in Oncology/Hematology at Rush, directed the treatment of Tim’s cancer and this donation is intended to help fund his research. The Timothy Francis Jones Foundation hopes the doctor will continue his great work in rendering comfort to his patients and progressing toward positive outcomes in the fight against cancer.
The presentation was a humbling experience for all who participated. It also produced a great amount of pride in our organization and all of the people who have supported us. Your support made this event possible and helps to keep Tim’s legacy alive. Thank you.
