Our Story
How It All Started…
From a Backyard Barbecue to a beacon of hope
When one of their own was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, a group of lifelong Tampa friends came together to support him — and the Tampa Pig Jig was born.
What started as a backyard barbecue cookoff to raise funds for Will Wellman’s fight against FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis), has grown into one of Tampa’s most anticipated annual events — a waterfront festival featuring world-class live music, incredible food, a corporate BBQ competition, and a shared mission: to support families facing serious medical challenges.
a mission that grows with our community
Since 2011, the HopeWill Foundation has proudly hosted the Tampa Pig Jig, donating millions to NephCure — the only nonprofit organization dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for rare, protein-spilling kidney diseases like FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.
To date, proceeds from the Tampa Pig Jig have helped launch over 60 clinical trials and made Tampa home to NephCure’s largest annual donor presence nationwide.
Now, our mission is growing — just like the event itself. While we continue our strong commitment to NephCure and the rare kidney disease community, we are expanding our support to include local organizations that help families facing a wide range of life-altering medical challenges.
Whether it’s supporting cutting-edge research, easing the burden of treatment costs, or connecting families to vital resources — we are here to make a difference.
Where There’s A Will
There’s A Way!
The HopeWill Foundation is firmly committed to fighting against FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. Through collaborative efforts, it aims to accelerate progress towards improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure. The foundation focuses on building a strong patient community and giving back to families in meaningful ways. Building on the success of Tampa Pig Jig, the HopeWill Foundation is expanding its philanthropic efforts in Tampa Bay, focused on an enduring local impact to those facing life-altering medical challenges.
Will’s Story
Will’s story is one worth telling and so inspired a group of filmmakers from the University of Notre Dame to document it In “Learning to Live on Dialysis and Inspiring Those Around Him.” The documentary focuses on and shares Will’s ongoing journey with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and how it ultimately inspired the founding of the Tampa Pig Jig.