Peter Cancro and Eli Manning on Being the Difference

Peter Cancro and Eli Manning have plenty of career wins. The founder and CEO of Jersey Mike’s Subs and the former New York Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion are icons in their fields, but they share a second calling: giving back. 

This year, Eli and Peter are adding a new item to their resumés as co-chairs of Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation’s Be The Difference Campaign. Their passion for supporting health care goes back much further.

“There are so many charities out there, and everyone looks to give to wherever their heart is drawn. I always challenge people to get involved in their local hospital,” Peter says. ‘There's only a matter of time before a loved one, a friend, or a family member will need care."

Ensuring our community has access to the best care possible is the mission behind the Be The Difference campaign.

Why Give to Hackensack Meridian Health:

When asked what the Hackensack Meridian difference is, Peter and Eli have the same answer: The people.

“Parents who are going through a tough time, with a child who’s dealing with cancer: Every time they talk about the great care they’re getting from the nurses and doctors and everybody, and how special it is. It’s a positive place, it’s a happy place,” Eli says.

“Everybody, from nurses and doctors to the foundation board to [CEO] Bob Garrett, has that same kind of positive attitude. We hear it all the time. It’s incredible what people are saying about the whole community of Hackensack Meridian Health,” says Peter.

Peter, and the Jersey Mike’s family, have supported Hackensack Meridian since he began volunteering at his hometown hospital, now Ocean University Medical Center, in 1975. Eli has remained involved since his time with the Giants. 

“When Hackensack Meridian Health started a program called Tackle Kids Cancer, I thought this was something I really wanted to get involved in. Through that, I started Eli’s Challenge, grassroots fundraising through community efforts that I match. It’s been awesome. I make visits to the hospital regularly, and I visit with children and their families to support them as much as I can as they go through their cancer treatment,” Eli says.

Every Dollar Counts

Beloved New Jerseyans themselves, part of the purpose for Peter and Eli is to give back to their neighbors.

“It’s all about the impact on individuals in your community,” Peter says. “One of our colleagues had a baby born with some health problems, and the NICU at Jersey Shore was there. Incredible. Now the baby is stable and doing well. A friend of mine had heart trouble about a year ago, and Jersey Shore took care of them. Another friend was in for cancer treatment up at Hackensack. It just doesn’t stop, with friends and family that need our help. It’s critical to stay involved and give what you can so that great care can continue to be offered.”

For Peter, that’s what it’s all about. “Give to give. Not for the accolades, not for what you’re going to get from it. But give to give.”

Eli agrees. “Small amounts add up and make a huge difference for the hospital and Tackle Kids Cancer and beyond.”

Next Steps

Join Peter and Eli and Be The Difference by making a gift to support high-quality care for your family, friends and neighbors. Every dollar helps.