Jay Woodruff 1970-2009
Tara asked me to put together a webpage to honor Jay's Memory and to give a platform for people to talk about their time and experiences with him. I would like to see this as a celebration of his life and I have set this webpage up as a blog so that anybody can leave a story or just a quick note. If you have a few minutes and a good story about your experiences with Jay, please go to the "Memories" section and leave a comment or if you would just like to leave a note, you can sign the "Guestbook." I knew Jay very well for about 6 years while he was at the Academy and the following couple of years; however, I would like to learn more about him as a child growing up and about his last couple of years. If you have any pictures that you'd like to include on this site please feel free to email them to me. If you would like an account so that you can blog directly on the site, please let me know and I'll set you up an account.
Dan Gordon
Post-Race: Remembering my Father
December 18, 2011 by tara
As I’ve been getting closer to the race and people- some family, some friends, others complete strangers- have been wishing support, I’ve been thinking a lot about the kind of man my father was. How funny he was, he always made me laugh in his cool but nerdy way. He always cared for me and always did things in my interest, like how he helped me train during sports and coached me in everything. He was always there for me.
After running today, I never realized how much I have missed him. I never got to know him very well, and I wish I did. He was the greatest dad ever, and I miss him. I have missed out on having a father when I needed him most. He was always there to teach me, support me, push me and carry me. I wish I had more time to learn from him and be with him. For me, this run meant carrying on his name and everything he stood for. I wish he had been there during the run, he would have been so proud.
Now that I am done, I want to appreciate everyone for their contribution and help. Every donation has made a difference, and I truly appreciate everyone’s assistance to the cause of the Jay Woodruff Foundation. I will be sending out letters to all sponsors thanking them for their donation. If you have not received a letter from me please tell me instantly so I can thank you. I really appreciate the help.
Nick Goes the Distance
December 13, 2011 by tara
Sunday, December 11, 2011
By Frank Otto
fotto@pottsmerc.com
Article in full may be viewed at http://www.pottsmerc.com/articles/2011/12/11/online/srv0000015876152.txt?viewmode=default
LIMERICK — Nick Woodruff was just looking online for ways to raise money to fight cancer when he stumbled upon the Fortitude for First Descents Half Marathon in Lewes, Del.
Since then, he’s thrown himself headlong into it.
Over the past few weeks, Nick, a student at the Hill School, has been training for the Dec. 17 13.1-mile race while simultaneously trying to secure $2,000 in sponsorship for the race to donate to blood cancer charities.
“We’ve got $926 right now,” Nick said Wednesday evening. “I’ve been trying to get sponsorships but it’s very hard to contact businesses (and people).”
Nick’s family has already raised over $7,000 for cancer research and patient support.
Nick’s motivation for the race and all of his fundraising aspirations come from the loss of his father, Jay, to leukemia three years ago. The disease moved quickly, claiming Jay’s life after just three weeks.
Jay Woodruff was a graduate of the Naval Academy in Annapolis. He flew E-2C Hawkeye radar planes following his achievement of naval flight officer status. After moving on from the military, Jay and his family moved around for a while. Eventually, the Woodruffs became Limerick residents and Jay became a local regional manager for Bank of America.
“My dad was my coach in all my sports,” said Nick. “I love him a lot. He was funny, he was honest. He was a great person.”
Jay was survived by Nick, Nick’s older sister Natasha, and his wife, Tara.
“Nick’s running the half marathon on (mine and Jay’s) 15th wedding anniversary,” said Tara. Tara said that Nick, understandably, has been deeply affected by the passing of his father, and that running this race might be part of his grieving process. ”I think that it’s his way of getting through the holiday season,” Tara said.
Although he’s a cross-country runner, Nick said he’s never run a distance as long as the half-marathon’s 13.1 miles. Still, he brims with determination. ”I’ve created a sheet for planning” his workouts, Nick said. “I feel pretty prepared.”
Tara ran a half marathon in January and convinced Nick that he could do it. ”Nick never ceases to surprise me,” she said. “He’s a really outgoing kid who is also deep in thought sometimes.”
Seeing all of the money their family has donated, Tara says that Nick really gets the notion of helping people. ”I honestly think that’s what he thinks about when he runs,” Tara said.
So far, the farthest distance Nick plans to run is 11 miles, saving 13.1 for the race in Lewes. Nick said that his father wasn’t a runner like him, but he thinks he knows what his father would think of his efforts. ”I think he’d be proud,” Nick said without hesitation.
11 days to go!
December 6, 2011 by tara
So far we have raised $925.00! I would like to thank my new teammates for the generous donations: Kevin Fitzgerald, Margaret Belinka, Bradley White, Jefferey Newland, and Jack & Mary K Gvodas. Donations ranging from $20 to $500 have been received!
Every donation counts, and I want to let folks know that each contribution means a great deal to me, regardless of amount. We are almost halfway to our $2,000 goal, so I still need your help with eleven days to go!
Don’t forget you can make donations via PayPal on this website.
Greatly Appreciated,
Nick Woodruff
Running for My Father
November 28, 2011 by tara
Hello, Everyone -
I’m posting here to let you know that I will be running a half marathon to raise money for the Jay Woodruff Memorial Fund. The event is Fortitude for First Descents, and it will be held in Lewes, DE on December 17th. I wanted to do this as a way to keep his memory alive and it is no coincidence that it is on December 17th. My mother and father were married on that date in 1994.
I will be posting my progress as I train for the event and appreciate any encouragement you can provide. Although I ran cross-country this year, I never ran anything longer than six miles. Thirteen-point-one will be a challenge. I will be ready for it, however, and your support will help me along the way.
For those that would like to offer a donation in support of my event, please use the PayPal link on this website to make a donation. Funds are used to help families with loved-ones fighting a blood-cancer like leukemia or lymphoma. I know what that experience is like, I guess my whole family does, and it is not easy. Hopefully, something as small as running a half-marathon to raise money to help families can make some kind of difference.
Stay tuned and I appreciate your time reading this – Nick
Jay Woodruff Memorial Golf Tournament Sponsors
July 12, 2010 by Flash
We would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the Jay Woodruff Memorial Golf Tournament:
Principal Sponsor
Executive Sponsors
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Jay Woodruff Memorial Golf Tournament Information
June 2, 2010 by Flash
Brochure
Donation Letter
Information
SponsorshipOpportunities
Registration Form
The First Annual Jay Woodruff Memorial Fund Golf Tournament
April 8, 2010 by tara
“Leukemia Sucks! Hope Rules!”
Leukemia patients need your help. They need champions, saviors, and angels, otherwise known as BONE MARROW DONORS. For most Leukemia patients, a bone marrow transplant represents their only chance for survival and the registry of potential donors doesn’t have nearly the number of volunteers needed to offer HOPE to these victims and their families. 
We need YOU to get your name into the registry to “Be the Match” and save someone’s life.
After only a 3 week battle with Leukemia, Jay Woodruff passed away on July 21, 2009. He was 39 years old and is survived by his wife Tara, daughter Natasha, and son, Nicholas.
Jay was a selfless and dedicated husband and father who always put the needs of his family first. No personal sacrifice was ever too great when it came to his family. He loved them completely. His kindness and generosity were second to none. Perhaps due to his military training at Annapolis, or the guidance he received from his Grandmother, Jay was viewed by all as someone who could be called upon to help with anything anywhere—always arriving with a dynamite smile, welcoming hug, strong arm and brilliant mind. He was the compassionate “go to” guy for many people. Whether through words or deeds, Jay was always there to help, never asking for anything in return beyond friendship, acceptance, and love. 21 days from diagnosis to death is all it took for Jay’s Leukemia to take it’s toll.
In memory of Jay, we wanted to create an annual event to generate awareness for Leukemia and other bone marrow disorders. The First Annual Jay Woodruff Memorial Fund Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, August 9, 2010 at the Penn Oaks Golf Club in West Chester, PA. The “Be The Match” organization will be on-site to sign up as many donors as possible. Through our efforts and yours we HOPE to be a part of saving a life. Proceeds from the event will be distributed to both the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Jay Woodruff Memorial Fund.
We are asking for the support of local businesses and leaders in the greater Philadelphia area to help sponsor our event. In addition, we are also seeking donations of quality items to be included in the “Be the Match” raffle which will be held immediately following the tournament. Any contribution you can make will be greatly appreciated. We would like to thank you in advance for your effort in making this foundation and event a success.
Please contact Mark Plevyak at 410.459.5941 or mplevyak@gmail.com if you are interested in playing in the tournament, becoming a sponsor, wish to donate, or have any questions.
Together, we can make a difference for the lives of many!
Remembering Jay Woodruff
September 25, 2009 by
Although Jay and I were engaged at the time of his USNA ring dance, I was unable to attend the dance. I wasn’t shy about my disappointment. I wasn’t sure how Jay really felt about it though. Since I couldn’t be his date for such a special occasion, I decided to keep myself as busy as possible, so I wouldn’t have to think about him taking someone else as a “fill-in.” The day before the dance, he called me from one of the pay phones in Bancroft Hall. He seemed aloof, and I got upset. We ended the phone call on a bad note, and deep down I hoped that he would have a horrible time at his ring dance. So, later that day, when a package was delivered, I assumed it was Jay sending flowers of apology. I was in no hurry to accept his apology. After hours of my sister calling and urging me to come over and open his gift, I finally agreed to do so. I arrived at my sister’s place, to see a box sitting next to her fireplace. I thought it was awfully big to be a floral arrangement. As I approached the box, Jay pops out of the box, bellowing “Surprise!” I wrapped my arms around him and cried. He had driven up from Annapolis to good ol’ Pottstown, PA just to smooth things over with me. Jay always kept that passion he had for our relationship alive. Overall, throughout our entire marriage, Jay was selfless, thoughtful, and supportive. We went through many occasions like the ring dance. There were many incidences of disappointment or misunderstanding, but mostly our 17 years together were filled with love, forgiveness, loyalty, and respectful compromise. I miss him terribly, and will hold memories like the ring dance surprise close to my heart.
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All donations go directly to Jay's Memorial Fund
