JoyRx Receives Humanitarian Award
On Saturday, February 8, the thirty-eighth annual Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party honored JoyRx as one of the recipients of the Steinberg Denicola Humanitarian Awards for 2025.
Each year, The Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party convenes to explore modalities and breakthroughs in mental health and brain health.
As part of their annual summit, the prestigious Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals and organizations who have demonstrated extraordinary contributions, leadership, and impact in the fields of mental health, wellness, and neuroscience as they reach various communities in need.
Presented by Mr. Leigh Steinberg and Dr. Nicole F. Roberts during the awards ceremony in New Orleans, this initiative seeks and supports health innovation, treatment, and wellness modalities that benefit not just athletes but all of humanity.
Jack Pipkin, CEO of JoyRx, visits with local press leading up to the award.
When Dr. Roberts, who leads the summit, learned of JoyRx programs, she knew immediately that our pediatric programs have evidence-based results that could help inform adult brain health solutions.
With this partnership alongside the NFL Alumni Health Network, JoyRx was awarded this honor.
“JoyRx is filling a critical gap in the arts and music programming,” said Dr. Roberts in her introduction of JoyRx. “Every JoyRx interaction is a way to meet children and families where they are.”
Jack Pipkin, CEO of JoyRx, accepted the award on behalf of the thousands of seriously ill children and families we’ve served since 1995.
“I’d like to thank our amazing staff, donors, volunteers, our Board of Directors — everyone who makes our mission possible,” Jack said in his statement after receiving the award. “And most importantly, to the brave children who fight cancer every day and to whom we have the privilege to bring our programs.”
He also thanked the Ellis Family for their pioneering pursuit of joy in pediatric care, despite the tragedy of losing their daughter, Alexandra, to cancer.
“I think that if there are any parents in the room out there who’s had a sick child, anyone who’s been impacted by cancer, you will share in our belief that children who are sick need more than just medicine when they’re in treatment,” said Jack. “Music has this universal power to heal, and I can’t think of a better city to make that statement in.”
Jack Pipkin, CEO of JoyRx, leading up to the award presentation.
It was an incredible experience to be able to commemorate our thirtieth anniversary and to share the stage with inspiring honorees.
It helps underscore the importance of our programs and their impact on a child’s social, mental, and emotional wellness.
“Joy is this incredible superpower,” said Jack. “It’s an unlimited resource in all of us.”
Many thanks to our partners at NFL Alumni Health for connecting our JoyRx programs to the Brain Health Summit and to everyone involved for including us in this impactful symposium.
In addition to JoyRx, the 2025 Humanitarian Award honorees included two-time New Orleans Mayor and President of the National Urban League Marc H. Morial; Owner of the New Orleans Saints and Governor of the New Orleans Pelicans Gayle Benson; President of the Las Vegas Raiders Sandra Douglass Morgan; Coach of the Denver Broncos Sean Payton; Baltimore Ravens Cornerback Nate Wiggins; retired NFL Quarterback Drew Brees; neurofeedback pioneers Dr. Siegfried Othmer and Susan F. Othmer; and the new Legacy Award recipient, Hall of Fame Quarterback Brett Favre.
Learn more about our awards and accolades on our accountability page on our website.