The Baby Joe Mesi Fight for Organ Donation is a foundation established by a world-ranked undefeated heavyweight boxer to bring attention to the extremely important need for organ donations.

Baby Joe Mesi's Fight for Organ Donation

We are pleased to announce “Baby Joe” Mesi’s Fight for Organ Donation Foundation. The Baby Joe Mesi Fight for Organ Donation is a foundation established by a world-ranked undefeated heavyweight boxer to bring attention to the extremely important need for organ donations, a fact of life he has lived for the past several years.

Genelle Shanor Provides Inspiration

Mesi, the 33 year old honors graduate of Erie Community College, was inspired to create this foundation several years ago when his cousin, Genelle Shanor, became in need of a kidney transplant. The long, arduous road his cousin followed, led Mesi to dedicate a fight in Niagara Falls, NY for her, as he spoke out for her need for a kidney. A donor was found soon after the fight; however, complications unrelated to the transplant surgery, sent her back to the list for another transplant. While awaiting another transplant, Genelle and husband Rick, passed away in an untimely accident.

“Giving back to my community has been a goal of mine since I began boxing professionally,” explained Mesi, who has built a 36-0 record with 29 knockouts. “I have been waiting anxiously to get to the point in my career where I could start this foundation. The inspiration came from my cousin, who was the real fighter in our family, for what she fought through the past couple years before her death. What better foundation for me than the fight for organ donations. I want to raise the awareness and stress the importance of donating organs."

“Through my years of working on behalf of Genelle, I have come to learn of the desperate need for donors of all organs and through my foundation we hope to increase the public awareness of this need and to keep Genelle’s memory alive."

"A special thank you goes to the late Joe Reap Jr., who gave hope to Genelle and the gift of life to seven people with his organ donations."

Anyone with a Driver's License Can Participate

“I want to increase awareness that anyone with a driver’s license can participate in organ donation. To have your organs donated all you need to do is speak with your doctor and your family and sign the back of your license. At each of my fights and during the time between fights, I will be promoting the need for people to consider the donation of their organs. I signed my license three years ago and I look forward to saving lives with my organs.”

Julie Bargnesi

Julie Bargnesi, Esq. a partner with the Buffalo law firm of Damon & Morey, and a cousin of Baby Joe, was instrumental in establishing the foundation.

Baby Joe Mesi’s Fight for Organ Donation Incorporated

Baby Joe Mesi’s Fight for Organ Donation, Inc. became incorporated in New York State on July 3, 2002 under the New York State Not For Profit Law.

Mission Statement

The purpose of this corporation, Baby Joe Mesi’s Fight for Organ Donation, Inc., is to promote and assist those organizations which offer services including procurement of organs, care of individuals who donate and receive organs, medical research for organ donation and financial and other assistance to organizations which promote organ donation efforts.

Financial Donations

For more information about the foundation, call 716.858.3712 or check the Baby Joe Mesi website at www.babyjoemesi.com.

To make your financial donation, complete the Baby Joe Mesi's Fight for Organ Donation pop-up pledge form. Then mail your check in with the completed donation form and return to:

“The Baby Joe Mesi Fight for Organ Donations”
117 Darwin Drive
Snyder, NY 14226

Please make all checks or money orders payable to:
The Baby Joe Mesi Fight for Organ Donation

Cick here to complete the Baby Joe Mesi's Fight for Organ Donation pop-up pledge form.

Thank you for your generous support!