Former patient gives back by creating own wellness brand

At 19, Jerome received news he never thought he’d get: He had cancer. He began receiving treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute where he underwent two rounds of chemotherapy before being declared in remission. Now, 13 years later, Jerome is a proud cancer survivor with a goal to make a positive impact for others.

At the time of his diagnosis, Jerome was a student-athlete at Cornell University. He considered himself to have an active lifestyle, but after his treatment, he re-evaluated his diet to make healthier choices. When he returned to his passion in sports, he realized that many sports beverages and electrolyte products that he previously swore by were overprocessed and filled with artificial chemicals. It was at this time he invented his own mission: Create a 100% compromise-free brand made of only organic plant-based ingredients, while fighting pediatric cancer.

“Dana-Farber is where my story began,” Jerome says. “During treatment, I saw not only how many adults were affected by cancer, but so many children as well. Seeing pediatric cancer with my own eyes made me want to start a mission-based beverage company that gives back to pediatric cancer causes, such as the Jimmy Fund.”

Jerome turned his passion into action by creating his own brand: Berri Organics. Not only does Jerome’s brand contain the clean ingredients he promised, but a portion of all proceeds directly benefit Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. Now in stores throughout the country, Jerome has brought his vision to life and is excited to see how his company and impact will grow.

“Through our partnership, I hope we can bring us one step closer to finding a cure for pediatric cancer,” he says. “It’s exciting to bring my passion for a healthy lifestyle to fruition while making an impact to patients and their families.”

Join supporters like Jerome by participating in The Dana-Farber Campaign, our ambitious, multi-year fundraising effort to prevent, treat, and defy cancer. The Dana-Farber Campaign will accelerate the Institute’s strategic priorities by supporting revolutionary science, extraordinary care, and exceptional expertise. As a community, we have the power to create a more hopeful, cancer-free future—in Boston and around the world. Together, we can defy cancer at every turn. Learn more about The Dana-Farber Campaign and how you can get involved at DefyCancer.org.