Last Updated on January 22, 2025 by Luke Feldbrugge
The Homes for Heroes Foundation awarded Thin Blue Ride with a $5,000 grant to help assist military veterans and first responders diagnosed with cancer. Homes for Heroes, Inc. and the Homes for Heroes Foundation are honored to support Thin Blue Ride in their mission to assist these heroes in their battle with cancer.
The Thin Blue Ride Mission
Why was Thin Blue Ride Established?
Jonathan “JD” Daige’s personal journey of battling cancer, and his commitment to service as an U.S. Army Reserve and police officer, inspired him to establish the nonprofit, Thin Blue Ride.
In 2013, JD was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 30 years old. During his battle, the cancer spread. Over three years, his medical treatments were extensive.
“In a three year time period I had testicular cancer surgery, lymph node dissection surgery, two rounds of chemo, two rounds of radiation, and two brain surgeries,” JD explains on the Thin Blue Ride’s mission page.
While recovering, he participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge, a grueling 190-mile cycling event benefiting the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“We raised $27,000 our first year with four riders, and from there we turned it (Thin Blue Ride) into a 501c3 nonprofit. So now we raise money for military veterans, first responders (and their families) when they get diagnosed with cancer,” explains JD.
Having witnessed firsthand the physical, emotional, and financial toll cancer takes on a person and their family members, JD has turned his personal trials into a platform for hope and support so military and first responder heroes do not face their battle alone.
What Does Thin Blue Ride Do to Help Heroes with Cancer?
Thin Blue Ride organizes, coordinates and executes fundraising strategies on behalf of each military veteran or first responder hero they assist. During the fundraising efforts, they raise money to assist with the costs a hero faces while battling cancer. JD also mentioned that Thin Blue Ride adds a portion of their capital on top of the funds raised. They then write a check to the hero and their family, and the hero who receives the check can use the funds to pay their mortgage, medical bills, or cover any other expense.
JD said, “We just want to ease the financial burden a little bit.”
How will this Grant be Used to Support Heroes?
The Homes for Heroes Foundation is honored to support Thin Blue Ride with its mission to help military veterans and first responders diagnosed with cancer by awarding the organization with a $5,000 grant.
Watch the grant presentation video:
Homes for Heroes local real estate specialist, Diane Casey-Luong, nominated Thin Blue Ride to receive the $5,000 Homes for Heroes Foundation grant.
She was asked why nominating this organization was important to her.
Diane responded by saying, “My tie to Homes for Heroes is directly related to law enforcement. My husband is a 23 year veteran of the local law enforcement team, and these guys are part of that department. So, Thin Blue Ride filters deep and strong with all of us. And, as you know, when one is in need we all step up to the plate. It really was a no-brainer for me.
These guys do a great job. They put on fantastic golf events and other local events. They have a great utility trailer to sell their swag. They’ve done a great job partnering with corporate sponsors. It’s absolutely my pleasure to do everything I can to help them with their mission of helping others.”
The Homes for Heroes Foundation grant will be used to add incremental funds to fundraising efforts done by Thin Blue Ride where they raise money for several heroes who are battling cancer.
“We always say the money’s not going to fix everything, but it definitely takes away that top (financial) priority to make sure the financial stability is there for the hero’s family. It takes away that cause for stress and allows them to focus on healing,” says Joe Quinn, Co-Founder and Vice President of Thin Blue Ride.
How You can Support the Thin Blue Ride’s Mission
You can help support Thin Blue Ride’s mission by visiting their website and taking a look at all of the upcoming events and fundraising initiatives. To further support their efforts, please consider making a donation to help fund the support they provide to recent heroes diagnosed with cancer. And soon, they will launch an online store so you can purchase their swag, and a portion of their sales goes toward supporting the heroes they are assisting.
Foundation Grants: Part of Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving
Grants from the Homes for Heroes Foundation are made possible by the Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving and its network of real estate and mortgage professionals. Homes for Heroes, Inc. is committed to providing savings to community heroes; including firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, military (active duty, reserves and veterans), healthcare professionals and teachers.
To expand its Circle of Giving, Homes for Heroes, Inc., donates a portion of its earnings to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. So, every time a hero buys or sells a home using the Homes for Heroes program, they are helping other heroes across the country who are facing a housing crisis or are in need of urgent financial assistance.
If you are interested in learning more about how Homes for Heroes can guide you through the home buying, selling or refinancing process AND save you an average of $3,000 after closing on a home, simply sign up to be connected with our local specialists. They will follow up with you to answer all of your questions.
If you’re interested in learning about our wider impact, simply visit the Homes for Heroes Foundation for more information about recent grants to hero organizations, how much it has awarded, and how it all works.
If you’re interested in supporting and donating to the Homes for Heroes Foundation to assist heroes in need, please visit the donation page to submit your contribution via PayPal. We thank you for your interest and support.
