Charity
The Marty Lyons Foundation is a non-profit, charitable, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization which provides wishes to children chronologically aged three to seventeen who have been diagnosed as having terminal or life threatening illnesses. Over the past 22 years, more than 3,000 wishes have been granted. We are proud to have nine chapters in nine states.

As a defensive lineman, Marty Lyons was a 12-year veteran of the New York Jets football team. A hero both on and off the field, Marty eventually came to an unusual crossroads.

"In March 1982, three events altered my life. In the period of one week, my father, Leo, passed away suddenly; Keith, a little boy to whom I was a Big Brother, passed away from leukemia; and my first son, Rocky, was born. Imagine being on top of the world, and in the period of seven days you are forced to see the frailty, unfairness, and the wonder of life. I decided to use my name and my God-given talent to make a difference in the lives of terminally ill children."

With the encouragement and assistance of family and friends, he became determined to establish a foundation dedicated to helping children find the courage and strength to fight their illnesses. His idea was that through the granting of a wish, he'd foster hope and inspiration in a child by making possible what had been perceived as impossible. So in December 1982, he founded The Marty Lyons Foundation, and over the last 22 years it has never slowed in its commitment to helping those in need.

Headquarters
The Marty Lyons Foundation, Inc.
326 West 48th Street,
New York, NY 10036
Tel: 212-977-9474
Fax: 212-977-1752
Email: mlf_hq@martylyonsfoundation.org
Website: www.martylyonsfoundation.org