Drew and Brittany Brees’ Brees Dream Foundation has contributed over $50 million to support cancer patients and children

Drew Brees was officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. He was inducted alongside Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, and Roger Craig.Brees entered the league in 2001 and announced his retirement in March 2021. He played elite-level quarterback in 20 NFL seasons, with a Super Bowl win and 13 Pro Bowl selections.As much as he cherished the gridiron, he gave twice the effort off it. Since 2003, the New Orleans Saints legend and his wife, Brittany Brees, have used the Brees Dream Foundation to support cancer patients, children, and families in need.According to its official website, the foundation has contributed more than $50 million to charitable causes globally since its inception.Drew and Brittany Brees’ Brees Dream Foundation and cancer supportDrew and Brittany Brees’ Brees Dream Foundation’s mission is “improving the quality of life for cancer patients, and providng care, education, and opportunities for children and families in need.”In 2010, Drew Brees secured a $100,000 grant for New Orleans’ Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge, a place for out-of-town cancer patients and caregivers to stay for free while they undergo treatment.The New Orleans Hope Lodge used the grant to help fund ongoing services to patients and caregivers, including apartment-style housing complete with community-hosted dinners, laundry, library, and free transportation to local cancer centers.Drew Brees also supports cancer research with his Brees Dream Foundation. The organization works toward advancing cancer research and providing care, education, and opportunities for at-need children.Drew Brees’ foundation teams up with Ochsner HealthIn 2020, the Drew Brees’ foundation joined with Ochsner Health to improve access to services such as prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases, illnesses, disorders, and other health-impacting conditions.The foundation invested in three community health centers across Louisiana: New Orleans East, Baton Rouge, and Gretna.Since 2023, the centers have cared for nearly 60,000 patients by providing accessible, convenient healthcare services to community residents. The centers provide primary and pediatric care, along with screenings and health education.Drew Brees Foundation’s support for childrenChildren and education are the Brees Dream Foundation’s second major focus, after cancer. Its mission particularly covers providing care, education, and opportunities for children and families in need. Its grants have supported organizations working to provide young people with educational and economic opportunities.For instance, the foundation has partnered with Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans for the Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge program.It gives high school students across the region a chance to develop their own startup idea and pitch it for $15,000 in scholarship money and a year of free Chick-fil-A.In March 2026, Alvin, Brianna, and Marianne of Biofresh Containers won $5,000 in scholarship money and a year of free Chick-fil-A.Since 2014, nearly 20,000 students from Shreveport, Monroe, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Greater New Orleans, the North Shore, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast have answered the Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge.The program has provided over 410,000 in scholarships and over $130,000 in funds to schools to support entrepreneurial education.Young entrepreneurs are solving today’s issues with tomorrow’s innovations: from language learning apps to emergency power stations.“Who knows? Some of the ideas that these students develop could be the ideas that push New Orleans forward,” Drew Brees said.Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans’ programs help young people develop knowledge and skills in financial literacy, career preparation, and economic decision-making. These skills help children make smarter academic and financial decisions.Brees Dream Foundation’s BuildStrong AcademyIn April 2022, Drew Brees brought BuildStrong Academy to New Orleans. The Super Bowl champion’s The Brees Dream Foundation sponsors it.Brees shared the excitement via Instagram post, “Proud and honored to bring BuildStrong Academy to New Orleans!!One of the very first chapters in the country, providing free training, certification and placement in the skilled construction trades! A life changer for a lot of people! Excited to see the lives we can change in New Orleans!”By the end of 2024, 554 students were enrolled at the foundation’s BuildStrong Academy with a 92% certified rating.Students who completed the program earned certificates in the Residential Construction Introductory Series, Pact Core, and Carpentry.Through HB1 [Home Builders Institute], students earned 1,243 certificates in 2024 at the New Orleans location.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.