Podcasts & Other Media
Explore press features, podcasts, and media highlights sharing the story of Swirls Around the World and the mission to honor Matthew “Swirls” Cirelli’s legacy.
The Motivational Mic Podcast: Swirls Around the World
NOVEMBER 4, 2025: In this deeply moving episode of Motivational Mic, we sit down with Diane and Jen Caruso – a mother-daughter duo who turned unimaginable loss into a movement of love and light. After losing their beloved Matthew to cancer, they founded Swirls Around the World, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading kindness and keeping his spirit alive.
What began as a symbol of remembrance – a swirl – has grown into a global reminder that love never stops moving. Through every swirl shared, every story told, and every act of compassion, Diane and Jen are proving that even through grief, beauty can rise, and connection can heal.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation about loss, legacy, and the power of transforming pain into purpose.
Dose of Good Podcast Episode 4 – Swirls Around the World
DECEMBER 20, 2023: My goal with this podcast is to brighten your day with positive stories from good people and organizations who are doing their part to make the world a better place.
Episode 4 features Swirls Around the World. Swirls Around the World is a nonprofit foundation, honoring the life of Matthew “Swirls” Cirelli who passed away at the age of 19 from Ewing Sarcoma. The foundation’s mission is to honor his legacy by embracing his courage, spirit, and kindness to pay it forward.
Today I speak with Jen Caruso and Diane Caruso family members of Matt’s who play a vital part in keeping the organization running.
Help Hope Happen Here Podcast – Hosted by Mark Levine – Interviews Jen Caruso
JULY 7, 2022: Jen Caruso is the founder of the Pediatric Cancer SWIRLS AROUND THE WORLD FOUNDATION, which she started in honor and memory of her cousin Matthew, who passed away from Ewings Sarcoma when he was 19 years old in 2013.
While a student at Northeastern University, Jen began the Children’s Miracle Dance Marathon Chapter and was the Regional Manager for the Love Your Melon Campus Crew.
Jen is now on the Board Of Directors for the Tommy’s Place Vacation home for Pediatric Cancer patients and their families and still has time to hold a full time job as a Physician’s Assistant at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Patriots Present Patriots Difference Maker of the Week Award to Jennifer Caruso
NOVEMBER 4, 2021: Jennifer Caruso from Lynnfield, Mass. was selected as a 2021 Patriots Difference Maker of the Week for her commitment to Swirls Around the World. As part of this recognition, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation will be making a $5,000 donation to support the nonprofit.
In 2013, Jennifer lost her 19-year-old cousin, Matt, to Ewing Sarcoma. His nickname was Swirls and, in his memory, Jennifer started Swirls Around the World.
Jennifer leads all fundraising initiatives for the foundation, which includes fitness events and an annual Thanksgiving flag football game. In addition to the scholarships, Jennifer delivers special Swirls packages each month to pediatric and young adult cancer warriors and continues to find ways to remember and honor those warriors who are no longer with us.
Mass General Hospital’s The One Hundred Honorees: Swirls Around the World
JANUARY 1, 2017: It is the perfect combination. Honoring people who contribute to the fight against cancer in outstanding and sometimes unseen ways, and raising money to aid in that fight at the same time – that is what The One Hundred is all about!
Created and supported by the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, The One Hundred honors people who have uniquely and many times selflessly, dedicated themselves to lessening the tide of human suffering from cancer. In profound ways, and in gentle moments, the honorees have made a difference.
Swirls Around the World, honoring the life of Matthew Cirelli, embraces his spirit and courage as it helps those who are fighting cancer.
