Jay Rice - Executive director
Meet Jay
Jay's commitment to this mission began with the diagnosis of his best friend, Jace Ward, and has grown into years of meaningful leadership and service. Jay served as Treasurer beginning in 2023 and stepped into his role as Director in mid 2025, helping guide the organization with both compassion and strategic vision.
Jay is deeply committed to raising awareness and amplifying the voices of children and young adults battling cancer. When he travels, he interviews local patients for the I Can't Die I'm Busy Show, sharing their stories to bring visibility, connection, and hope to others facing similar battles. He plays a key role in organizing and hosting impactful fundraising events, including softball and golf tournaments, as well as assisting Tough2gether families with their events, and national efforts such as the Brainstorm Summit. He builds and maintains lasting relationships with families, offering support during their child’s journey and continuing to stand beside them in the years that follow.
Jay leads with heart, resilience, and unwavering dedication. He is a steady presence for families, a passionate advocate for children, and a driving force behind the foundation’s impact. In every aspect of his work, he embodies the spirit of Tough2gether and the belief that no family should face this fight alone.
Denver, CO
636-297-1633
Annual Softball Tournament & Family Fun Day
This tournament is low competition, inviting rec teams, low level tournament teams, and throw together teams - this makes it a lot more fun and ensures the focus stays on community, supporting local businesses, and above all - the kids!
We have cornhole, pop-a-shot, football bowling, face painting, balloon animals, raffle prizes, live music, and anything else we're able to cram in!
.png/:/cr=t:20.83%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:58.09%25/rs=w:1209,h:909,cg:true)
The Community Platform
The go-to place for all friends, families, and supporters of those in the fight against pediatric brain cancer. Here, you will find the latest research, emerging clinical trials, news, and a place for your stories, made possible by Bublup and Chimerix, a Jazz Pharmaceutical Company.
Join nearly 300 members of our community for FREE!
.webp/:/cr=t:21.52%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:50%25/rs=w:600,h:300,cg:true)
The DDRFA - Funding Research
This alliance is a group of foundations & funds who fund grants together for research, trial access and data integration or utilization. We are passionate about providing funds to develop an understanding of Diffuse Midline Gliomas, including DIPG. Since June of 2022, we have funded nearly $4 Million in research grants together for DIPG DMG research, data, trials and the national tumor board formation.
LiveBrave2gether Network - Family Support
We support families battling pediatric brain tumors by streamlining the application process for multiple foundations. Many of us have faced similar challenges, worrying about unpaid bills and travel for clinical trials. At LiveBrave2gether, we understand and are here to help you navigate financial support.
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1209,cg:true)
First Thurs
On the first Thursday of every month, see what businesses are supporting children & families facing childhood cancer.
Don't see your favorite spot? Invite them to join the participating businesses in spreading awareness, raising funds, and bringing together communities to combine things they do in their every day life with supporting families facing pediatric cancer!
The I Can't Die I'm Busy Show
This show was created in 2024 in an attempt to help communities and supporters better understand and get to know our kids, by giving the patient a platform to tell their story in a way that a photo & donation page can't.
Sarah Basore, diagnosed at 20 with stage IV colon cancer, and Jay sit down with these kids and ask them questions to help them bring awareness & understanding to the patient experience.