“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” - Nelson Mandela

JoAnn B. Ficke was so full of love that it burst from her like the Rocky Mountain sun on a crystal clear Colorado day. She is forever true to one of her favorite sayings, “Love is shown in deeds.”

In December of 2023, President Dan Ficke, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Metro State University of Denver, presented $150,000 in gifts to six awesome Colorado cancer organizations.

Foundation President Dan Ficke is the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Metro State University of Denver after a successful stint at Belmont Abbey College in Charlotte, N.C. - where his father Big Bill played for legendary coach Al Maguire!


Denver Nuggets Head Coach and NBA Champion Mike Malone is a supporter of Big Bill and JoAnn!

Foundation Treasurer Betsy Parker (right), JoAnn B. Ficke's sister, presents at gift to the Children's Hospital Pediatric Oncology department at the new Children's Hospital on the Anshutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

Denver Broncos Super Bowl Champion Head Coach Gary Kubiak and his wife Rhonda are supporters!

JoAnn B. Ficke Cancer Foundation President Dan Ficke (center) is joined by NBA coaching legend George Karl and Denver Nuggets legend Bill Hanzlik at the Foundation's largest annual fundraiser, the "9/11 Day of Giving" at Big Bill's New York Pizza.

You never know who will make a surprise appearance at our 9/11 Day of Giving fundraiser - our pal Rocky might even pop in! 

What a blast to stop by 9News’ “Colorado and Company” show on 9/11 to share some pies and talk about the Foundation!

JoAnn B. Ficke led a very significant life of making a difference to others. The JoAnn B. Ficke Cancer Foundation is a Colorado nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that was founded in her honor in 2009 by Bill and Dan Ficke. Proceeds from the Foundation's efforts go to create awareness for the treatment, cure and research of cancer and also to assist organizations in Colorado that provide support for families of those dealing with cancer. Every penny donated to the JoAnn B. Ficke Cancer Foundation stays in Colorado. We understand fighting cancer can be very scary and very lonely. Sadly, the families of cancer patients often encounter different hardships when their loved ones become ill, such as difficulty paying for rent, utilities or temporary housing to be near their loved one who is undergoing treatment. These difficulties place additional stress on the patients at the worst time.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

In 2023, we topped the $1.94 million mark for funds you have helped us to raise since through “Big Bill’s NY Pizza 9/11 Day of Giving” annual event to support outstanding Colorado charities working to fight against cancer in our community! When we started the foundation in 2009, we never dreamed we could have this level of impact, but we because of the generosity from our customers and friends, we have provided hope and comfort to daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, wives, husbands, moms and dads in some of their darkest hours

JoAnn B. Ficke Cancer Foundation Vision Statement:

The JoAnn B. Ficke Cancer Foundation will generate support for cancer treatment and research, to help relieve the suffering of cancer patients and their families, cancer research, and to make a positive difference in the lives of our fellow man. The Foundation's goal is to make the lives of cancer patients and their families better.

9904 East Pinewood Avenue • Englewood, CO 80111 • 303-741-0367 • E-mail: Support@jbfcf.org

The JoAnn B. Ficke Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization as defined in section 501(c)3 of the IRS Code

Tax ID number: 27-0681994

©JoAnn B. Ficke Cancer Foundation 2024