Rush University Medical Center 2018

Thanks to your generous support, the Timothy Francis Jones Foundation was able to make another donation to the Rush University Medical Center’s Cancer Center.  On March 7, 2018, the foundation presented Nicklas Pfanzelter, MD with a $5,000 check for cancer research. As many of you may remember, Dr. Pfanzelter specializes in Oncology and Hematology at Rush and directed the treatment of Tim’s cancer. His thoughtfulness, resourcefulness and honesty have made him more family than a foundation partner. We are confident he will produce positive outcomes for future patients and pass that knowledge along to others.

Before the presentation, we took time to reminisce about Tim and discuss new breakthroughs in cancer treatment and community healthcare initiatives Rush University Medical Center was involved in. Among the topics were Rush’s participation in West Side United and their efforts to bring CAR T-cell therapy to bear in the fight against cancer. After the presentation, the conversation continued about areas where the foundation could make a difference such as West Side United and the TCF Summit Chicago for testicular cancer.

The foundation’s delegation consisted of Bernadette and Edward Jones, Demo Salazar, Shareeff Williams and Rich Lomax. Dr. Pfanzelter, Mary Marron and Kevin Gray represented the hospital. On behalf of the foundation and Rush University Medical Center, we would like to thank you for making it possible to fulfill Tim’s wish.

Photos courtesy of Rush University Medical Center.

Timbuck2 Forever Test Drive 2018

While the foundation was preparing for the 3rd Annual Timbuck2 Forever Tribute, we were approached about having a car wrapped with Tim's logo. An offer too good to be true! So, we said "Sure, why not!" Well, the offer turned out to be a dream come true! The folks at MINI of Chicago, located on west Diversey, came through in a big way. They allowed us access to several MINIs wrapped with the TimbuckII logo for transportation and promotional use for artists and staff during our year-end event. One of the vehicles was located at the entrance to the House of Blues for all to see at the Timbuck2 Forever Tribute and is pictured below. 

Terri Evans, Area Manager for MINI USA, was the inspirational lead along with Shareeff Williams and Rich Lomax. The collaboration ended with the Timbuck2 Forever Test Drive on Jan. 9, 2018. Despite snowy weather, MINI of Chicago hosted us to an evening of music, food and cars. The mood was set by our friend DJ Word and many TFJ Foundation attended, mingled and took test drives. Terri capped off the evening by presenting the foundation a $2,500 check donation. We would like to thank MINI of Chicago, Terri Evans and MINI USA for their generous support and look forward to working with them in the future. We hope that you will stop by and support our friends at MINI of Chicago.

Photos courtesy of MINI of Chicago and TFJ Foundation.

Timbuck 2 Forever 2017

Video created by Miguel Cisneros. miguelc219 on Instagram and Twitter.

The third annual Timbuck2 Forever celebration was held at the House of Blues in Chicago. Timothy Francis Jones aka Dj Timbuck2 passed away from complications having to do with stage IV renal cell carcinoma in December of 2015. A foundation in his name has been set up to help bring awareness to men’s health and to encourage men to go to the doctor more often.

Grammy Award-winnng DJ Terry Hunter, Rich Medina, DJ Scratch and Pete Rock lent their skills to the event to honor Tim. A pair of Nikes created in DJ Timbuck 2’s honor were created and will be auctioned off at his foundation’s site. The night ended with a surprise visit from Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon the Chef.

Before his death, Tim wrote a letter to his friends and family encouraging them to take care of their health.

“Your struggle is my struggle, and I’m here to fight with you. To the ones with too much pride, and don’t like going to the doctor because they are too proud and can handle it all, I have high hopes that my journey and story brings you back down to earth.” wrote Tim.

All words and images have been graciously provided by Eddy "Precise" Lamarre.

https://rollingout.com/2017/12/21/3rd-annual-timbuck2-forever-celebration-encourages-doctor-visits/#1

Remembering Timbuck2 - The Timothy Francis Jones Foundation with our own DJ Mike P

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.

WGCI Morning Takeover 2017

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.

Vic Mensa and Mitchell & Ness

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.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

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.

Rush University Medical Center Memorial Fund Update

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.

U of I Health Cancer Center Patient Brigade / Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative

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.

NHS 30th NeighborWorks - Community Resource Fair

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.