About Us

Mission Statement

We are an organization dedicated to provide support for people, in the western suburbs of Cleveland, recently diagnosed with cancer and their family and friends by connecting them to resources and services. These are our organizational goals:

To provide information as to whom to turn to from the outset
To provide a support system of individuals facing similar challenges
To offer practical services and assistance
To provide a way for potential volunteers and donors to contact our organization
To offer hope and assure those afflicted by illness that “they don’t have to face this alone”—there is an abundance of support available

The Friends From The Start Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information, services and resources to individuals and their loved ones facing extreme medical challenges. Its creation stems from the collaborative efforts of Tom Jelepis, former Mayor of Bay Village, and his family and some close friends. Now cancer-free for over 3 years after a battle with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Jelepis witnessed the enormous emotional and physical toll his illness exacted upon his family and friends. In his own words, he attests that “there is no doubt in my mind that the loved ones suffer far more than the actual patient in many cases.” Knowing that the support from his family played such a critical role in his recovery, Jelepis decided to establish this foundation to “help alleviate the overwhelming stress” that exists not just for cancer victims but also for their family members and supportive friends. He hopes to enlist volunteers willing to provide services such as house cleaning, lawn mowing, grocery shopping and rides to doctors’ appointments. To those caring for a loved one that is seriously ill, these mundane tasks are monumental and any type of assistance is greatly needed and appreciated. With this view, this website has a two-fold purpose. It first aims to help those in need by providing links to available resources and services. Secondly, this website is meant to attract volunteers and donors for this worthy cause.

Friends From the Start Foundation

About Us

Mission Statement

Contact Us