Cassie and Gus Fenton have launched a foundation in their 14-year-old son's name to fund pediatric cancer research and support families facing the disease.

The Rye couple formally introduced The Hamish's Difference Foundation on Sept. 18 at Nugent Stadium. They brought the announcement to MetLife Stadium on Sept. 27, where the New York Giants honored Hamish Fenton before a national audience. The Rye Record first reported the foundation's launch on Sept. 30.

Hamish died June 2 after a nearly three-year battle with NUT Carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer diagnosed when he was 11. He would have been a freshman at Rye High School this fall.

The foundation rests on three pillars: cure, community and advocacy. It will fund research into pediatric cancer, connect families navigating treatment and raise awareness of rare childhood diseases. According to the foundation's website, only 4% of federal cancer research spending goes toward childhood cancers, even though cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children.

Cassie Fenton said her son "fought so hard" and wanted his life to make a difference. She said the family wants to help parents who lack the resources to research and advocate for their children. After Hamish's September 2023 diagnosis, Cassie, who has no medical background, spent years reading, researching and consulting doctors, scientists and medical professionals worldwide.

First award goes to Kaplan

Alongside the foundation, the Fentons introduced the Hamish's Difference Award. It honors a senior student-athlete whose impact on teammates extends beyond the field. The first recipient was Benji Kaplan, a Rye High School senior football captain described by the Rye Record as someone who quietly lifts up his teammates.

Cassie Fenton said Hamish always loved watching Kaplan play and would have been thrilled to see him receive the award.

Giants honor their youngest teammate

Hamish's bond with the Giants began through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was "drafted" by the team, signed a contract, received a uniform and attended a practice and game. The relationship grew from there. Throughout his treatment, the Giants and the Mara family welcomed him to practices and games, where he joined huddles, cheered from the sidelines and visited the locker room.

On Sept. 27, the Fenton family took the field at MetLife Stadium, where the Giants honored Hamish and the family announced the foundation to a wider audience.

A community in purple

The Sept. 18 ceremony at Nugent Stadium drew Rye players and fans wearing purple, Hamish's favorite color. Jagger Fenton, Hamish's older brother and a Rye High senior captain, told the Rye Record after the Sept. 18 game that he had asked teammates in the locker room "to fight tonight the way my little brother did." Rye beat Eastchester 51-0 that night.

Hamish had dreamed of playing for the Garnets like Jagger and older brother Archer Fenton, who graduated from Rye High School in 2024. At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, even while facing his own treatment, Hamish looked out for younger patients.

Residents who want to learn more or support the foundation can visit hamishsdifference.org.