Ocean County Charity Honors Fallen Friend [AUDIO]

John Michael Hoffman had his life cut short at the early age of 27 years old in 2010, following a battle with brain cancer, but his friends and family are making strides to make sure he is properly remembered.

Shortly after his death, a charity in his name was organized called the John M. Hoffman Foundation, or JMH Foundation.

John's sister, Jody Hoffman Graichen, serves as the Board President, and says the charity was formed to keep her brother's name alive in a positive, meaningful way.

"We just want to do our part to keep his name out there and to support the things that he supported," she explained.

The JMH Foundation is promoting brain cancer awareness and awarding scholarships to Ocean County high school seniors, who participate in swimming, since that was a sport and activity that John certainly supported.

"We just are looking for a way to give back in the community to support other kids who are so interested in doing what John did"

They recently gave out their first scholarship, and despite still being in the infancy of this non-profit, the group plans to continue to expand.

"We want to award more scholarships, we want to raise more awareness about brain cancer education," Jody said.

While the initiative does not bring back to life somebody who was beloved within his family and friends circle, as well as the community, John's sister says it does provide a little solace.

"It's nice knowing that we are doing something that we feel is important and that he would appreciate," she said. "We don't want people to forget him and what he worked so hard for."

Learn more about the foundation by checking them out on Facebook.

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