The commitment to the 9/11 community runs deep in the heart of the Johnny Mac Foundation. That is why our Founder and President, Jennifer K. McNamara, and Board Member Kelly Green, were thrilled to be on the sidelines supporting the 2025 Suffolk Showdown: Suffolk Sheriff vs. Suffolk Police charity hockey game!
Held at the Clark Gillies Arena, this highly anticipated rematch was more than just a fierce rivalry on the ice; it was a powerful gathering for a great cause: The Strohm Foundation, which assists those battling 9/11 related cancers.
Continuing John’s Mission: From the Ice Rink to the Nation’s Capital
For Jennifer McNamara, being at an event supporting 9/11 related cancer relief is personal. The Johnny Mac Foundation was created to fulfill the deathbed promise she made to her husband, FDNY Firefighter John F. McNamara, who tragically lost his battle with 9/11 related stage 4 colon cancer in 2009.
John was not only a hero at Ground Zero but a relentless advocate, tirelessly championing the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act. Jennifer has carried on that fight, appearing publicly to raise awareness about the sick and dying men and women of the 9/11 response.
Kelly Green, who was a close friend of John’s, works hard to continue what he started, motivated by his indelible spirit and sense of humor. Standing alongside the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO Hockey Team) and Suffolk Police, Jennifer and Kelly saw firsthand the local community coming together to address this ongoing crisis.
The SCSO Hockey Team: Whatever It Takes
The SCSO Hockey Team, a 501(c)3 comprised of Correction Officers and Deputy Sheriffs, shares the Johnny Mac Foundation’s mission of putting others first. Their primary goal is to use charity events like the Suffolk Showdown to raise funds and assist those in need within our communities—a true reflection of John’s motto, “whatever it takes.”
This event was a powerful reminder that the tragedy of 9/11 is still affecting our heroes today, making the work of the Strohm Foundation, and the support of the SCSO and SCPD, more crucial than ever.
We are incredibly proud of the Suffolk Sheriff and Suffolk Police teams for putting on such an exciting event for such a meaningful cause. Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket, laced up their skates, and helped continue the fight on behalf of our heroes!
You can learn more about the SCSO Hockey Team’s efforts at http://www.scsohockey.com.