Julian's Story
Julian was a captain of the GHS swim team and water polo team, a four time High School All-American in swimming and an all American water polo player. Julian was in his sophomore year at Santa Clara University, where he was pursuing degrees in Economics and Political Science and was selected twice as an Academic All-American as a member of the Santa Clara University Water Polo team. Julian will be remembered for his love of family and friends and his ability to see the best in everyone. A young man of great humility and a quiet leader respected by his peers, Julian was a great friend to all who knew him.
TeamJF was established in 2017 by Julian’s friends and family after he fought and lost a year-long battle with osteosarcoma. Julian was an All-American Swimmer and Collegiate Water Polo player when he was diagnosed at 19. Unfortunately, Julian’s story is not uncommon. That’s our reason for being—to raise money to fund promising research that will save the lives of other children and young adults.
Julian's determination and bravery continue to inspire TeamJF. We are committed to fighting osteosarcoma and other childhood cancers by supporting cutting-edge research and innovative treatments. Our mission extends beyond Julian's memory; we aim to bring hope and better futures to all children and families affected by these devastating diseases.
At TeamJF, we believe in the power of community and collective action. Our events and fundraising activities, such as the 642-mile walk along the Via Francigena and participation in marathons, are designed to raise awareness and generate crucial funding for rare cancer research. These efforts unite people from all walks of life with a common goal: to eradicate childhood cancers and improve the lives of those battling these illnesses.
Childhood cancers receive a mere fraction of overall cancer research funding, making our work even more critical. By supporting pioneering research initiatives at institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, we strive to bridge the gap in funding and accelerate the discovery of effective treatments. Our partnership with MSK and other leading research organizations ensures that every dollar raised goes directly toward impactful cancer research.
The impact of childhood cancer extends far beyond the patients themselves, affecting families, friends, and entire communities. Our advocacy efforts aim to highlight the unique challenges faced by children with cancer and their loved ones. Through educational campaigns, community outreach, and public speaking engagements, we work to raise awareness about the urgent need for better treatments and support systems for young cancer patients.
Our journey is driven by the stories of brave individuals like Julian, whose battles with cancer inspire us to push forward. Each step we take, and each dollar we raise is dedicated to their memory and to all those who continue to fight. By sharing their stories and highlighting the human side of cancer, we hope to inspire others to join us in our mission and contribute to the fight against childhood cancers.
TeamJF is not just an organization; it is a movement fueled by love, hope, and determination. We invite everyone to join us in this fight, whether by participating in our events, donating, or spreading the word about our cause. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families affected by cancer, paving the way for a future where no child has to endure the pain and suffering caused by these diseases. Every contribution brings us one step closer to a world without childhood cancer.
The Mission
The mission of TeamJF is to raise funds for promising research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood cancers with a laser focus on finding a cure
Raise Awareness
Educating the public will help in our fight to develop new treatments and save young lives.
Collect Donations
Every donation helps us get a step closer to funding new research and bringing an end to children’s cancer.
Create Change
We’ve partnered with MSK Kids to advance the fight against children’s cancer and other diseases.
The Team
TeamJF was established in 2017 by Julian’s friends and family after he fought and lost a year long battle with osteosarcoma. Julian was an All-American Swimmer and Collegiate Water Polo player when he was diagnosed at age 19. Unfortunately, Julian’s story is not uncommon. That’s our reason for being – to raise money to fund promising research that will save the lives of other children and young adults.
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Currently the medical protocol for osteosarcoma treatment has not advanced or changed in over 30 years. With every donation collected and conversation started, TeamJF strives to create momentum in the fight against rare cancers.
Hear from Julian's Doctor
Dr. Willam Tap, M.D.
Chief, Sarcoma Medical Oncology Service
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Shân's Story
One of the most interesting and dynamic people that Team Julian honors is Shân Brock. Shân was a truly beautiful, inspirational and remarkable person. She was a superhero, a tiny ball of cosmic energy, joy, and positivity. Shân moved to Old Greenwich with her family in 1999, and set about making a loving home that became embedded within the Old Greenwich community. She was married to Mike for 32 amazing years and had four beautiful children: Harriet, Bryony, Freddie and Brontë.
Alec Fraser
The following was written by Alec Fraser and shared on the first day of his coast-to-coast bike ride.
“Jamie and I are starting our Coast-to-Coast Cycle to Cure Childhood Cancer on Sunday, August 15 from Old Greenwich, CT to Santa Clara, California, at the start of the Julian Fraser Memorial Water Polo Tournament on October 22. We will be cycling over 4,560 miles, over 120,000 vertical feet, which I’m told is the equivalent of riding from sea level to the top of Mount Everest, through 17 states, averaging 68 miles per day for 68 days.
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Jamie and I did our homework before undertaking this ride. MSK put us in touch with someone who did this ride several years ago. When we opened the Zoom call, he did a double-take, and blurted out, “Wow, I wasn’t expecting a couple of old guys.”
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The truth is, we’re riding to continue the battle against cancer for those that no longer can, and to give hope to those fighting. I’m thinking of my son, Julian, who passed away four years ago from osteosarcoma, and my father, Jack, who passed away from lymphoma this past June. I’m thinking of my friends Shan and Markus, who are fighting the battle now. Sadly, we all know someone we love who has been affected by this disease, and we all want to do something about it. Team Julian is all about coming together as a team to fight cancer.
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Our ride is self-funded, meaning that all of the money we raise will go directly to Cycle for Survival to support Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s rare cancer research efforts. Over 50% of all cancer patients have a rare cancer. Rare cancers include brain, pancreatic, ovarian, and stomach cancers; all types of childhood cancers; and many others. Research for rare cancers is drastically underfunded. Only 4 cents of every federal dollar supporting cancer research goes to fund rare cancer research. Memorial Sloan Kettering relies on monies raised by Cycle for Survival to fund rare cancer research.
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Rare cancers pose some of the most challenging difficulties for cancer research, as these forms of cancers are typically more resistant to immunotherapies, and other new cancer treatments than the more common systematic cancers. Therefore, breakthroughs in rare cancer research hold promise for treatments of a whole array of cancers.
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Memorial Sloan Kettering, like other major research hospitals, shares its research data with other researchers, and participates with other research hospitals and institutions in clinical trials. Therefore, money raised for Cycle Survival helps cancer research globally, not just for patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
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You are all invited to be part of Team Julian. As part of Team Julian, we ask two things of you – to give what you can, and to help us spread the word. Please follow us on Instagram (@teamjf) and Facebook (/TeamJF4Cure).
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Thank you for being part of our team.