Everything began after I watched a video of Fenov speaking at an event for the Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation in 2016, and I reached out to partner with the foundation. It raises money for families affected by cancer through Kan Jam tournaments, where participants pair up to throw frisbees and try to deflect them into plastic cans. I played a lot of Kan Jam in college, so I could tell it’d be a fun way to bring people together for a good cause.
That was the goal at the first “Anders Lee Kancer Jam,” held in March 2017. Looking back, I was definitely a little nervous. I’d never hosted a big event before, and I wanted it to go well for the families we were trying to help.
With Fenov playing as my partner in the event and serving as our guest speaker, plus the support of all my Islanders teammates, the event ended up raising more than $100,000. It was a phenomenal experience that tuned into a yearly tradition. I’ve since held three more Kancer Jams, including the most recent one in September 2023, which marked our post-pandemic return.
Along the way, something special happened. Other guys around the League reached out to host their own Kancer Jams with the Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation and raise money for people in their own communities. I give a ton of credit to Zach Bogosian, Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller, Alex Killorn, Kevin Shattenkirk, Brendan Smith, and everyone who’s participated in Kancer Jams throughout the years. You are representative of all the good people in our League who give back to the community, and I’m so proud that we’re in this together.
From the first Kancer Jam until now, over $2.5 million has been raised through the Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation to support kids and families battling cancer. In 2017, if you told me that my efforts would contribute to such a huge impact, I don’t think I would’ve believed you. I was just doing something that felt right. I really didn’t have a big picture in mind.
In fact, I was actually thinking a lot about the small, day-to-day stuff. Fenov used to say it like this: “Even the smallest amount of help and sympathy that you can provide to a person with cancer will mean the absolute world.” To me, those words have always been a reminder of how important it is to make personal connections with cancer patients and their families. Whether it’s a phone call to check how they’re doing, a text with some encouragement, a postgame chat at UBS Arena, or an extra gift around the holidays -- I’ve tried to keep in touch however I can to put a smile on their face and let them know they’re not alone.