Cancer has its own timetable.

An estimated 2 million new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year — with 611,720 deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute. That crushing news freezes most in place.

That’s where Joe and Jen Andruzzi try to fill the gaps. Their eponymous organization helps cancer patients pay the bills, put food on the table, grab rides to appointments, and, hopefully, beat the odds.

“I know first-hand what cancer can do to a whole family,” Joe Andruzzi told the Herald Thursday night before his foundation’s 17th annual dinner. “People forget about the little things, but people need help and that’s where we come in.”

The Joe Andruzzi Foundation, created by the former New England Patriots’ three-time Super Bowl-winning offensive guard and his wife, CEO and president of the organization, has raised millions to help.

Andruzzi had his own battle with cancer in 2007, when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s lymphoma, which ended his football career, but later served as motivation to launch the foundation.

This powerhouse couple pays for Lyft rides, support from social workers, wellness programs, Codzilla rides, wheelchair ramps, Patriots, Bruins, Red Sox and Celtics tickets.

“As long as there is a need, we’re here,” the couple said.

Since its start, the foundation has granted more than $11 million to more than 40,000 cancer patients across New England. The “adopted Bostonians” have transcended the post-player career roadmap.

“You step in and just react,” said Joe Andruzzi. “You’ve got to move forward.”

That’s been Joe Andruzzi’s calling card for most of his adult life. The day he honored New York City firemen post-9/11 with his three firefighters brothers on September 23, 2001, was also the game where Tom Brady’s legend was cemented when he replaced an injured Drew Bledsoe.

Then again at the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013, he jumped back into action carrying an injured woman to safety on Boylston Street.

“I’m proud to be the light,” he said the other night repeating the foundation’s motto as “Game Changers” were honored, including Hub PR titan George Regan also a cancer survivor and others.

I guess what they say about offensive linemen is true, they’re not superheroes, but close enough.

Go the the Foundation’s website to donate.

HEROES: In a moment Robert Kraft says he’ll never forget, then-Patriots offensive guard Joe Andruzzi’s three firefighter brothers, above, wave to the crowd at Foxboro Stadium 12 days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. (File)