# herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com


## Posts

- [The Heroes Foundation Has Awarded Nine Exciting Indiana Cancer Projects With $223,500 in Funding](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/the-heroes-foundation-has-awarded-nine-exciting-indiana-cancer-projects-with-223500-in-funding/): INDIANAPOLIS—The Heroes Foundation has distributed $223,500 to bring about measurable, positive impacts for cancer patients, families and researchers in 2025 in Indiana. As a leading advocate for Hoosiers impacted by cancer since 2001, the organization selected nine meaningful projects executed by five world-class partners.  “The Heroes Foundation is proud to support the work of these outstanding organizations,” said Annie Martinez, Executive Director of the Heroes Foundation. “This support is the result of thousands of donors committed to being part of much-needed solutions.”  The Heroes Foundation is a public, grant-making nonprofit organization. Its funds support partners and projects that align with its mission: to provide meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention, and resources to advance research for a cure.
- [The Heroes Foundation Funds Innovative Research to Treat Children With Rare Brain Cancers](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/the-heroes-foundation-funds-innovative-research-to-treat-children-with-rare-brain-cancers/): Researchers at IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center are working to discover new treatments that could translate to the clinic more quickly and inexpensively than traditional drug development processes.  What if drugs existed that could help treat children with rare brain tumors, but they weren’t being prescribed to these young patients? Researchers at IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center hope to uncover such a drug combination hiding in plain sight, among other possible treatments, so every child with a rare pediatric brain cancer has a fighting chance for a healthier, brighter future. The Heroes Foundation is supporting this exciting research with a $10,000 gift.
- [Heroes Foundation Empowers Ambitious Notre Dame Researcher With $25K](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-empowers-ambitious-notre-dame-researcher-with-25k/): Katharine White, Ph.D., pursues better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to address cancer metastasis at the Harper Cancer Research Institute in South Bend  The Heroes Foundation recently announced a $25,000 commitment to Katharine White, Ph.D., an ambitious researcher studying how intracellular pH dynamics regulate proteins, pathways and cancer cell behaviors. White is the Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame and a member of the Harper Cancer Research Institute.
- [The Heroes Foundation welcomes James Hinshaw as new Chair of Board of Directors](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/the-heroes-foundation-welcomes-james-hinshaw-as-new-chair-of-board-of-directors/): The Heroes Foundation is pleased to welcome James Hinshaw as the new Chair of the Heroes Foundation Board of Directors. James was introduced to the Heroes Foundation through his colleague Briana Clark of Dentons Bingham Greenebaum. 
- [Heroes Foundation Co-Founder Vince Todd, Jr. to Step Down From Board Chair Role After Leading Organization for 24 Years](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-co-founder-vince-todd-jr-to-step-down-from-board-chair-role-after-leading-organization-for-24-years/): To my esteemed colleagues, dedicated volunteers, and the remarkable community that is the heart of the Heroes Foundation,  Today, I announce my decision to step down as Chairman of the Board, effective June 30th, 2024, a role I have had the privilege and honor to serve in for nearly a quarter of a century. My tenure as Chairman has been a profoundly rewarding chapter in my life, witnessing first-hand the power of collective action as we have turned compassion into tangible support for those affected by cancer.
- [Now Hiring: Director of Corporate Relations](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/now-hiring-director-of-corporate-relations/): ROLE SUMMARY: The Director of Corporate Relations will focus on building corporate support by securing financial contributions, partnerships, and sponsorships. The primary goal is to establish and maintain long-term mutually beneficial relationships between the Heroes Foundation and its Summit (and other) Partners.
- [Heroes Foundation Awards $157,500 to Four Organizations in 2024](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-awards-157500-to-four-organizations-in-2024/): INDIANAPOLIS—The Heroes Foundation, a leading supporter of the cancer community across Indiana, announced gifts totaling $157,500 to support eight projects focused on providing meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention, and resources to advance research for a cure.
- [Heroes Foundation Provides Play-Inspiring Room to Support Pediatric Cancer Patients](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-provides-play-inspiring-room-to-support-pediatric-cancer-patients/): Nick and Elizabeth Keller took an elevator up to the third floor of Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and stepped across the threshold of a new space that looked nothing like a typical hospital room.
- [Now Hiring: Executive Director](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/now-hiring-executive-director/):  The Heroes Foundation is seeking an Executive Director to guide our dynamic organization to become Indiana’s leading advocate for the cancer community. We are in the midst of continued growth, increasing impact and innovation. To continue to carry out our mission – to provide meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention, and resources to advance research for a cure – we need an equally dynamic and passionate leader.
- [The Catherine Peachey Fund Announces Separation from the Heroes Foundation](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/the-catherine-peachey-fund-announces-separation-from-the-heroes-foundation/): INDIANAPOLIS — The Catherine Peachey Fund has returned to operating as an independent 501(c)(3). The Fund joined the Heroes Foundation in 2016, maintaining its distinct brand and commitment to advances in breast cancer research and treatment, while the Heroes Foundation supports advances in all types of cancer.
- [Paying It Forward for the Indiana Cancer Community](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/paying-it-forward-for-the-indiana-cancer-community/): The actual phrase pay it forward is believed to have been coined by author Lily Hardy Hamond in her novel “In the Garden of Delight,” where she wrote, “You don’t pay love back: you pay it forward.” Like love, paying it forward means doing something good for someone without expecting anything in return. It doesn’t matter how big or small the act of kindness is, only that it is fueled by a desire to create a ripple of positive impact. 
- [The Heroes Foundation Catherine Peachey Fund Awards $25,000 to Inflammatory Breast Cancer Study](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/the-heroes-foundation-catherine-peachey-fund-awards-25000-to-inflammatory-breast-cancer-study/): INDIANAPOLIS — The Heroes Foundation Catherine Peachey Fund, a leading supporter of advances in breast cancer research and treatment, has awarded $25,000 to the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center to study inflammatory breast cancer, an incredibly aggressive and rare form of breast cancer.
- [Heroes Foundation Releases 2022 Annual Report](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-releases-2022-annual-report/): I am pleased to introduce myself and the Foundation’s latest annual report. As you will learn by reading here, 2022 was one of generosity and impact on the lives of many. Like so many of you, cancer has affected me and my family and I am honored to serve as the Executive Director of the Heroes Foundation. I look forward to using my years of nonprofit experience to increase the Foundation’s ability to move us closer to better treatments and cures for a disease that does not discriminate.
- [Men get breast cancer too: IU cancer center begins new research efforts to understand the rare disease](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/men-get-breast-cancer-too-iu-cancer-center-begins-new-research-efforts-to-understand-the-rare-disease/): A breast cancer diagnosis is difficult for anyone, but it can be particularly isolating for the thousands of men who face it each year. In the United States, about one in every 100 breast cancers diagnosed are in men and 500 men die of breast cancer yearly.  Researchers at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center know that male breast cancer behaves and develops differently than that in women, and they are now working to discover more about the disease—thanks in part to Matthew Bowman.
- [Supporting a Loved One After a Cancer Diagnosis](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/supporting-a-loved-one-after-a-cancer-diagnosis/): A cancer diagnosis is one of the most overwhelming experiences in life. This diagnosis not only affects the person directly, but their family and friends as well. Here are five tips for how to best support a loved one after they receive a cancer diagnosis.
- [Annual Amelia Project Conference Facilitates In-Person Breast Cancer Collaborations Across Multiple Stakeholder Types](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/annual-amelia-project-conference-facilitates-in-person-breast-cancer-collaborations-across-multiple-stakeholder-types/): During the February 11, 2023, Amelia Project conference, breast cancer scientists and clinicians came together for a day of collaboration at Indiana University Kokomo. One person in attendance said the enthusiastic crowd looked “hungry for interaction.”
- [Heroes Foundation Hires Andra “Annie” Martinez as Executive Director](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-hires-andra-annie-martinez-as-executive-director/): INDIANAPOLIS—The Heroes Foundation, a leading supporter of the cancer community across Indiana, today announced the hiring of Andra “Annie” Martinez as the organization’s Executive Director. The veteran fundraising, development and communications professional will leverage her 27 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to accelerate growth and impact in this vital role.
- [The Heroes Foundation Welcomes Six New Members to its Board of Directors](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/the-heroes-foundation-welcomes-six-new-members-to-its-board-of-directors/): INDIANAPOLIS — The Heroes Foundation announced the appointment of six new members to its Board of Directors. Since 2001, the Indianapolis non-profit organization has served the Indiana cancer community through support, prevention and research initiatives. The board of directors is its governing body. The Heroes Foundation is grateful to recently retired board members Renita Haines and Joel Russell for their service.
- [Study of Hereditary Cancers Gets Three-Year Boost from SJP Heroes Cancer Research Fund](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/study-of-hereditary-cancers-gets-three-year-boost-from-sjp-heroes-cancer-research-fund/): INDIANAPOLIS—The Heroes Foundation has named Nawal Kassem, MD, its latest SJP Heroes Cancer Research Fund Fellow. The Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine will receive $14,000 annually from 2023 to 2025 to study hereditary cancer through cascade testing.  Hereditary cancers such as breast, colon, prostate, pancreatic and ovarian cancers are caused by mutations in the genetic code that are passed down from parents to their children. Depending on the mutation, an individual can have up to 80 percent increased risk for certain cancers.
- [Pediatric Cancer Researcher Will Use $30K from Team JOEY to Make Patient Journeys Less Painful](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/pediatric-cancer-researcher-will-use-30k-from-team-joey-to-make-patient-journeys-less-painful/): INDIANAPOLIS—The Heroes Foundation has announced a three-year, $30,000 funding commitment to Jennifer Belsky, DO, MS, to further her research on decreasing the detrimental side effects children and teens experience while receiving cancer therapy.  The Indianapolis cancer organization made the award through its Team JOEY program, whose mission is to further the battle against pediatric cancer and to support young cancer patients. Since 2016, Team JOEY has provided $70,000 to support promising pediatric cancer research.
- [Ways We Fulfilled our 3-Part Mission in 2021](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/ways-we-fulfilled-our-3-part-mission-in-2021/): Why does the Heroes Foundation exist and why should it continue to grow? Who are the stakeholders that rely on our support, and why should supporters give their time, talent and treasure to our organization?   In the complete 2021 Annual Report, you will find answers to all of those questions. Here, we’re sharing highlights from that 2021 report related to how we serve the Indiana cancer community and follow our mission: To provide meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention, and resources to advance research for a cure.
- [The Catherine Peachey Fund Announces $100,000 Gift to University of Notre Dame Cancer Researcher](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/the-catherine-peachey-fund-announces-100000-gift-to-university-of-notre-dame-cancer-researcher/): The Heroes Foundation announced today that the Catherine Peachey Fund has provided $100,000 to Dr. Laurie Littlepage at the Harper Cancer Research Institute at the University of Notre Dame to pursue her promising research on the mechanisms of cancer progression.
- [The Catherine Peachey Fund Honors Black History Month](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/the-catherine-peachey-fund-honors-black-history-month/): Breast cancer is an equal opportunity disease – it doesn’t discriminate.  And the Catherine Peachey Fund wants to ensure that breast cancer treatment doesn’t discriminate either – by supporting research and programs that promote diversity and equity in patient outcomes.
- [22nd Annual An Evening With Heroes Gala Is A Huge Success](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/22nd-annual-an-evening-with-heroes-gala-is-a-huge-success/): While there is no such thing as a perfect event, we feel the evening went well and the results speak for themselves. While attendance was the second lowest since 2013, for obvious reasons, thanks to all who participated, we set an An Evening With Heroes fundraising record! This includes hitting our Fund-A-Program drive goal. As of this writing, total funds raised for the event have just surpassed $445,000, which is a “new track record”.
- [News from Chairman Vince Todd, Jr.](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/news-from-chairman-vince-todd-jr/): Happy New Year!  I hope you, your families and friends had a great holiday season and are ready to take on 2022.  The Heroes Foundation was born 22 years ago, just a few months after my cancer diagnosis and a collective (family & friends) desire to turn our emotion into action.  The Foundation, with the mission to provide meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention, and resources to advance research for a cure, has accomplished much in those 22 years.  Most who know me know that I’m never satisfied, and thus I look forward to accomplishing much more in the next 22 years.
- [Now Available: Heroes Foundation Offers Care Packages For Cancer Patients](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/now-available-heroes-foundation-offers-care-packages-for-cancer-patients/): When someone is diagnosed with cancer, so are their friends, their family members, and their loved ones. People want to help, but they’re not sure what to do.  The Heroes Foundation just made it a little easier with their new cancer care packages available for purchase online.
- [Heroes Foundation Seeks Program And Event Manager For Project Militia And Fit4Heroes](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-seeks-program-and-event-manager-for-project-militia-and-fit4heroes/): The Heroes Foundation is seeking a passionate, driven, self-motivated individual to develop and lead the prevention arm of their mission, Project Militia, and coordinate Fit4Heroes, a growing event with untapped potential and unlimited opportunity.
- [Halloween4Heroes Delivers Tricks And Treats To Kids With Cancer](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/halloween4heroes-delivers-tricks-and-treats-to-kids-with-cancer/): Kim Lyon and Samantha Piety have a friendship that goes back to elementary school. They grew up together in Franklin Township and reconnected after they had kids.
- [High School Soccer Players Raise Awareness And Support For Catherine Peachey Fund](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/high-school-soccer-players-raise-awareness-and-support-for-catherine-peachey-fund/): On Saturday, August 28th, the Carmel Lady Greyhounds swapped out their traditional blue and gold uniforms for pink.  “It’s probably one of the most fun games of the year, because all the girls are excited to wear their pink and paint their hair and get out there and play hard,” said Jerilyn Roper, whose daughter, Emily, is a senior.
- [Heroes Foundation Sponsors 4th Annual IU Health CompleteLife Art Show](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-sponsors-4th-annual-iu-health-completelife-art-show/): The CompleteLife Program started as an idea – you don’t just treat the cancer, you treat the whole patient – body, mind, and spirit.  Heroes Foundation Co-Founders Vince and Cindy Todd first heard about it from Dr. Larry Cripe at the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center when Vince was being treated for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma back in 2000.
- [A Letter From Chairman Vince Todd, Jr.](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/a-letter-from-chairman-vince-todd-jr/): Lately we’ve been asking, “What’s your cancer story?” We all have one – and most people have multiple. I certainly consider myself amongst the majority, with more stories than I care to think about.
- [One Year After Losing Their Son, Garvey Family Kicks Off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month By Paying It Forward](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/one-year-after-losing-their-son-garvey-family-kicks-off-childhood-cancer-awareness-month-by-paying-it-forward/): For the Garvey family, the month of September carries a lot of weight.  “It’s a month that we care a lot about. We wish that there were twelve of them, not just one,” said Kevin. “I think we place a tremendous amount of pressure on ourselves to fill the void that we feel.”
- [Summits Podcast Episode 12: Garvey Family Finds Life’s Work In Mighty Mason’s Legacy](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/summits-podcast-episode-12-garvey-family-finds-lifes-work-in-mighty-masons-legacy/): They lost their son. But the legacy of Mighty Mason has just begun.  Heather and Kevin Garvey on their son, their journey, and how they’re taking their pain and putting it to work.
- [Summits Podcast Episode 11: Indiana University Athletic Director Scott Dolson: “It’s important for us that there’s hope.”](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/summits-podcast-episode-11-indiana-university-athletic-director-scott-dolson-its-important-for-us-that-theres-hope/): As Indiana football prepares to kick off its season, IU Athletic Director Scott Dolson talks about his journey from Northern Indiana to Bloomington, navigating his first year during the pandemic, the LEO (love each other) culture, and the excitement brewing for the Hoosiers from the turf to the hardwood.
- [For Chef Tony Hanslits, Giving Back Is A Way Of Life](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/for-chef-tony-hanslits-giving-back-is-a-way-of-life/): Life in the restaurant business started at the bottom for Chef Tony Hanslits.  “After school, I would go and clean the kitchen and take the trash out and mop behind the bar and do the bathrooms.”
- [Summits Podcast Episode 10: Tom Morris Uses Positivity To Empower Himself And Others](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/summits-podcast-episode-10-tom-morris-uses-positivity-to-empower-himself-and-others/): Through therapy and the power of positive thinking, he was able to regain his independence, reclaim his life, and return to his job training elite athletes at Indiana University.
- [Indiana Author Donates Portion Of Book Sales To Heroes Foundation](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/indiana-author-donates-portion-of-book-sales-to-heroes-foundation/): Beth Rashleigh has spent most of her professional life studying, coaching, and consulting on leadership and organizational development.  Unprecedented times call for unprecedented leadership.
- [Summits Podcast Episode 9: Sean Swarner Spreads Hope From The Highest Platform](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/summits-podcast-episode-9-sean-swarner-spreads-hope-from-the-highest-platform/): Sean Swarner battled cancer twice and spent a year in a medically induced coma – all before he was 18 years old.  He went on to climb the seven summits, added the North and South Pole for the Explorers Grand Slam (the only cancer survivor ever to do so), and competed in the Ironman Triathlon.
- [Team Heroes Holds Fourth Of July Ride In Support Of Team JOEY](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/team-heroes-holds-fourth-of-july-ride-in-support-of-team-joey/): Whether they’re biking, running, or competing in triathlons, Team Heroes represents the Heroes Foundation by raising awareness for the organization and its mission – to provide meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention, and resources to advance research for a cure.
- [Summits Podcast Episode 8: Tatum Parker Is All Grown Up](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/summits-podcast-episode-8-tatum-parker-is-all-grown-up/): Knee pain isn’t something little kids usually complain about – but Tatum Parker’s knee had been bothering her for a while.  “It would wake me up in my sleep. And I would limp into my parents’ room and be like, ‘My leg hurts. And they let me sleep with them,” she said. “I’d wake up in the morning and it would be gone for the most part.”
- [Heroes Foundation Adds Tara Holcomb As Marketing Coordinator](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-adds-tara-holcomb-as-marketing-coordinator/): The Heroes Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of Tara Holcomb in the role of marketing coordinator. Holcomb grew up in Franklin Township and attended Franklin Central High School. She is a graduate of Ball State University. With a background in sales, marketing, and customer service, most recently with Accessa Corp., Holcomb will help drive the message of the Heroes Foundation in Indiana and beyond. “It’s an amazing feeling to know your daily work is aiding individuals and families who are walking through extremely difficult times,” she said. “I’m thrilled to join the Heroes Foundation team and to use my […]
- [Summits Podcast Epidsode 7: Pelotonia CEO Doug Ulman Built A Life Around Family, Sports, And Community  ](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/summits-podcast-epidsode-7-pelotonia-ceo-doug-ulman-built-a-life-around-family-sports-and-community/): Doug Ulman grew up on the East Coast in a typical middle-class family centered around sports and community.  “I was lucky to be surrounded by great teammates and coaches,” he said. “I played soccer predominantly, but my parents learned soccer when I learned soccer because they didn’t really know the game. There was no pressure. It was sort of like, ‘Hey, let’s just learn this game.’ And some of my best, most lasting friendships to this day are teammates from growing up, which is pretty awesome.”
- [Summits Podcast Episode 6: Wine Tasting With Peachey](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/summits-podcast-episode-6-wine-tasting-with-peachey/): Now in its 27th year, the mission of the Catherine Peachey Fund is simple.  “We fund breast cancer research in the state of Indiana,” said Program Manager Stephanie Lesher. “And while all of our dollars stay in Indiana, we really do have a global impact – because we have some of the most amazing breast cancer researchers in the world here in Indiana.”
- [Racing For A Cause: Cyclist Raises $10K For Heroes Foundation](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/racing-for-a-cause-cyclist-raises-10k-for-heroes-foundation/): A lifelong Hoosier, Bryce Zoeller was born in New Albany – but his love for cycling was born in Bloomington.  He got involved in the Little 500 bike race while he was a student at Indiana University and for him, it became a lifestyle.
- [Summits Podcast Episode 5: A Woman’s Strength – Julie Drew Lost Her Husband To Cancer, Then Beat It Herself](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/summits-podcast-episode-5-a-womans-strength-julie-drew-lost-her-husband-to-cancer-then-beat-it-herself/): Julie Drew grew up in suburban Detroit.  When it was time to start thinking about college, she didn’t know where she wanted to go – but she did know where she didn’t want to go.
- [Summits Podcast Episode 4: Lindy Thackston’s Comeback Story](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/summits-podcast-episode-4-lindy-thackstons-comeback-story/): After a year-long battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, FOX 59 morning news anchor Lindy Thackston finished her last treatment in mid-April.  A day she dreamed about for months – she didn’t expect the guilt that came with it.
- [Plan Your Porch Party With Peachey](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/plan-your-porch-party-with-peachey/): Last year, organizers had big plans for the Catherine Peachey Fund’s Wine Tasting with Peachey.  “We had a great plan in place,” said Program Manager Stephanie Lesher. “We had a caterer for the first time, we had an auction, we were very excited about that – and then COVID hit and we pivoted and we pivoted. We were going to be hybrid, we bumped the date out to August, and then we went fully virtual.”
- [Heroes Foundation Adds Heather Lloyd As Content Coordinator](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-adds-heather-lloyd-as-content-coordinator/): INDIANAPOLIS —The Heroes Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of Heather Lloyd in the newly created role of Content Coordinator.  A former news anchor and reporter, Heather Lloyd spent five years writing for the Indianapolis Colts and ingrained herself in the Indianapolis community telling stories about the players, cheerleaders, and fans. From schools to hospitals, the stories she told and the relationships she formed will help her bring stories from the Indiana cancer community to light with empathy and understanding.
- [Summits Podcast Episode 3: Beating The Odds – Matt King’s Cancer Story](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/summits-podcast-episode-3-beating-the-odds-matt-kings-cancer-story/): Seven years ago, Matt King got up and started his day like any other.  It’s now a day he looks back on as the beginning of a journey.  “I put on deodorant one morning and there was a lump that was sizable that was not there the day before. I usually don’t get too bent out of shape about stuff and I don’t really think I was at that time.”
- [Meet The New Director Of The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/meet-the-new-director-of-the-iu-simon-comprehensive-cancer-center/): Growing up in Maryland, Dr. Kelvin Lee had his heart set on becoming a marine biologist.  “I ended up doing a summer internship with Dr. Elliott Perlin at the Naval Medical Research Institute. My project was to look at the effect of chemotherapy on immune cell populations and what the effect of chemotherapy was on patients’ immune systems,” he said.
- [Summits Podcast Episode 2: Chris Welch’s Cancer Story](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/summits-podcast-episode-2-chris-welchs-cancer-story/): Chris Welch grew up in Upstate New York.  After college, he took a job with Cummins, which brought him to Indiana. After several jobs and several moves within the company, he convinced them to start a truck driver training school, which they eventually sold to him.
- [Catherine Peachey Fund Awards Gifts To Further Breast Cancer Research](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/catherine-peachey-fund-awards-gifts-to-further-breast-cancer-research/): Last week, the Catherine Peachey Fund announced $70K in new gifts to fund breast cancer research in Indiana.  “Our whole mission is funding research,” said Program Manager Stephanie Lesher. “We help our researchers get the data that they need to go get the bigger dollars. That’s our niche.”
- [Summits Podcast Episode 1: Bryan Babb’s Cancer Story](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/summits-podcast-episode-1-bryan-babbs-cancer-story/): Growing up in Carmel, Indiana, Bryan Babb played pretty much everything – baseball, basketball, football – but there was something about playing quarterback that hooked him early on.
- [Lindy Thackston Shares Her Cancer Story To Give Others A Fighting Chance](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/lindy-thackston-shares-her-cancer-story-to-give-others-a-fighting-chance/): For Lindy Thackston, life before cancer was busy, fulfilling, and free.  She was juggling three dream jobs – morning news anchor at FOX59, public address announcer for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and until last year, Pacers game night emcee.
- [Heroes Foundation awards three-year grant to support pediatric cancer research](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-awards-three-year-grant-to-support-pediatric-cancer-research/): INDIANAPOLIS — The board of directors of the Heroes Foundation, an Indianapolis-based cancer advocacy non-profit in its twentieth year, has named Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon  Comprehensive Cancer Center researcher Steve Angus, PhD, as the newest recipient of its Team JOEY Pediatric Cancer Research Award. Dr. Angus is an assistant professor of clinical medicine and cancer cell biologist at Indiana University School of Medicine. He is part of the IU School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics and the Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research.
- [Reserve your tickets for Wine Tasting with Peachey—Uncorked](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/reserve-your-tickets-for-wine-tasting-with-peachey-uncorked/): This year’s event will take place from Peace Water Winery Carmel, featuring ALL VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE.  Event registration details, along with a $100 enhanced virtual experience, and a fabulous array of silent auction items can be found HERE, or visit: Givergy.us/peachey
- [A Message from our Chairman and Co-Founder](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/a-message-from-our-chairman-and-co-founder/): I hope this letter finds you healthy and safe. Please continue to heed the advice of the CDC.
- [Heroes Foundation Names New Board Members](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-names-new-board-members/): INDIANAPOLIS — The Heroes Foundation has announced the addition of five new members to its board of directors. These individuals recently began serving on the organization’s board:
- [Gregg Doyel to host An Evening With Heroes Gala](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/gregg-doyel-to-host-an-evening-with-heroes-gala/): We are pleased to welcome Gregg Doyel, sports columnist for The Indianapolis Star, as host of our An Evening With Heroes 20th Anniversary Gala. Twice named the country’s top sports columnist by the Associated Press Sports Editors, Gregg came to The Star in 2014, after spending many years as national sports columnist for CBSSports.com. 
- [5 Heroic Sound Bites](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/5-heroic-sound-bites/): 1. TABLE SPONSORSHIPS AND TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE! Our 20th annual An Evening With Heroes Gala kicks off the Heroes Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Year The date for our An Evening With Heroes Gala celebration is set – January 18, 2020 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. Join us for cocktails, dinner, and dancing to the music of “The Impalas” — all while we celebrate twenty years of fighting cancer, and raise funds to kick off the next twenty years! Click here to purchase your tickets! Make a night of it and stay overnight — a limited number of rooms have been reserved at a special rate for our guests. […]
- [Heroes Foundation Names Executive Director](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-names-executive-director/): INDIANAPOLIS — The Heroes Foundation has added an Executive Director to help the Indiana cancer organization fulfill its mission and continue to grow its reach in the community as it heads into its 20th anniversary year.
- [GEAR UP FOR OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY SPIN4HEROES](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/gear-up-for-our-10th-anniversary-spin4heroes/): Philanthropy is driven by physical fitness and fun through our annual Spin4Heroes event! Whether on site or remotely, participants can be a part of the event individually or as member of a corporate or personal team when they participate in this unique cycling/spinning event. The goal? To raise crucial funds to support the Indiana cancer community.
- [Heroes Crit & Fit Day races through central Indiana](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-crit-fit-day-races-through-central-indiana/): The annual Heroes Crit & Fit Day was held on Sunday, July 14th at Falls Park in Pendleton, IN, with key support from Community Hospital Anderson and Katz Sapper Miller.
- [Heroes Foundation Seeks Executive Director To Lead Organization To The Summit for 20th Year and Beyond](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-seeks-executive-director-to-lead-organization-to-the-summit-for-20th-year-and-beyond/): INDIANAPOLIS — The Heroes Foundation is seeking qualified, passionate candidates for the position of Executive Director to help the Indiana cancer organization fulfill its mission and continue to grow its reach in the community.
- [Amelia Project Showcases Groundbreaking Cancer Research](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/amelia-project-showcases-groundbreaking-cancer-research/): On Saturday, March 23, 2019, the Amelia Project 16th Annual Meeting was held at Indiana University-Kokomo. The Catherine Peachey Fund of the Heroes Foundation was once again the sponsor for this unique event, bringing together nearly 100 Indiana breast cancer researchers, physicians, patient advocates and, for the first time, representatives from the pharmaceutical industry.
- [Heroes Foundation Hires Two Dynamic Non-Profit Professionals](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-hires-two-dynamic-non-profit-professionals/): INDIANAPOLIS — The Heroes Foundation has made two strategic hires to help the Indiana cancer organization fulfill its mission and continue to grow its reach in the community.
- [Program & Event Manager: We Are Hiring](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/program-event-manager-we-are-hiring/): The Heroes Foundation exists because of people who confronted cancer and fought the good fight. The spirit, determination, and commitment of these people to survive are the legacies and characteristics that spurred the Foundation. The HF is seeking to hire a Program & Event Manager to provide successful event coordination, planning and implementation for a few of the Foundation’s signature events which are key to the organization’s annual fundraising efforts. In addition, this position would manage the Project Militia Program.
- [Catherine Peachey Fund joins the Heroes Foundation family](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/catherine-peachey-fund-joins-the-heroes-foundation-family/): INDIANAPOLIS — The Heroes Foundation welcomes the Catherine Peachey Fund into the Heroes Foundation family. The arrangement allows the Heroes Foundation to take up the Catherine Peachey Fund torch to promote advances in breast cancer research and treatment by providing financial support to research and programs that are well positioned to move from the bench to the clinic.
- [Dr. Catherine Todd Joins Board](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/dr-catherine-todd-joins-board/): INDIANAPOLIS — The Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves the Central Indiana cancer community, announced today that Dr. Catherine Todd of Indianapolis has been selected to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors. She was installed May 1, 2016.
- [Heroes Foundation Announces New Members to Board of Directors](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-announces-new-members-to-board-of-directors/): INDIANAPOLIS—The Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves the Central Indiana cancer community, announced today that eight new members have been selected to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors. The new members include two cancer survivors, two physicians, a lawyer, experienced nonprofit organization supporters, two MBAs and avid cyclists. The new board members were installed May 1, 2015.
- [Heroes Foundation Presents “Be a Hero” Cancer Prevention Resource](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/heroes-foundation-presents-be-a-hero-cancer-prevention-resource/): INDIANAPOLIS—Being a hero against cancer can start with prevention. Supporting its mission to educate the Central Indiana community on healthy living and cancer prevention, the Heroes Foundation presents this simple handout to help people be strong for their families, friends and selves. By making healthy choices, many cancer deaths can be prevented. Here are five heroic (yet totally practical) things you can start doing today to help prevent some cancers.
- [Welcome!](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/welcome/): The mission of the Heroes Foundation is to provide meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention and resources to advance research for a cure.

## Pages

- [Home](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/home-2/): VALIDATED BY THE COMMUNITY OUR MISSION To provide meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention and resources to advance research for a cure. GRANTS PROVIDED SINCE 2000 Support $ 0 Research $ 0 M Prevention $ 0 EMPOWERING WORLD-CLASS CANCER INITIATIVES The Heroes Foundation is a public, grant-making nonprofit organization. The Foundation does not duplicate programs or services. Rather, it invests in select, outstanding cancer initiatives in Indiana. Learn More YEARS OF PURPOSE & PROGRESS Our annual reports provide a brief yet meaningful look at our work each year—highlighting key achievements, financial accountability, and the impact made […]
- [Summits News](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/about/summits-news/): SUMMIT NEWS Sharing our thoughts, news, and stories on cancer research and development. Featured Article
- [Terms and Conditions](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/terms-and-conditions/): Last Updated: August 14, 2025 TABLE OF CONTENTS AGREEMENT TO TERMS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS USER REPRESENTATIONS PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES USER GENERATED CONTRIBUTIONS CONTRIBUTION LICENSE SUBMISSIONS SITE MANAGEMENT PRIVACY POLICY TERM AND TERMINATION MODIFICATIONS AND INTERRUPTIONS GOVERNING LAW DISPUTE RESOLUTION CORRECTIONS DISCLAIMER LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY INDEMNIFICATION USER DATA ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS, TRANSACTIONS, AND SIGNATURES CALIFORNIA USERS AND RESIDENTS MISCELLANEOUS CONTACT US 1. AGREEMENT TO TERMS These Terms of Use constitute a legally binding agreement between you, whether personally or on behalf of an entity (“you”) and Heroes Foundation (“we,” “us,” or “our”), concerning your access to and use of the https://www.heroesfoundation.org website as […]
- [Team Heroes](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/about/team-heroes/)
- [Our Story](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/about/our-story/): OUR HEROES STORY THE SPARK TO SERVE THE INDIANA CANCER COMMUNITY When Vince Todd, Jr., was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2000 at the age of 26, dozens of loved ones rallied around him and his wife, Cindy, in solidarity and support. While he juggled the mental and physical repercussions of a cancer diagnosis, Vince also committed to turning his experience into something positive to serve the greater good. His friends and family doubled down on their support, and the Todds launched the Heroes Foundation in 2000. The organization became a registered 501(c)(3) public charity in 2001. Many grassroots efforts […]
- [Summits Podcast](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/about/summits-podcast/): Watch or listen to interviews with people from all walks of the cancer journey — featuring Heroes Foundation Founder Vince Todd, Jr. and Board Member Daniel Abdallah as co-hosts. Visit Summits Podcast
- [Summit Blogs](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/about/summit-blogs/): Find out how Heroes Foundation funds are being used. Discover the positive impact your gifts make on patients, caregivers, families and researchers. Explore the Summits Blog
- [Apply for Funding](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/apply-for-funding/): Apply for Funding
- [Give Today](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/give-today/): Give Today
- [Ways to give](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/support/ways-to-give/): WAYS TO GIVE Donate Today! Together, we make the greatest difference. By making a financial gift, you’re directly supporting our efforts to provide meaningful support to patients, promote cancer prevention outreach and education, and provide financial resources to better patient outcomes by funding academic and clinical support to researchers. We offer several donation options, including in-kind donations and donor-advised funds. Make a recurring gift to become part of the Summit Society The Summit Society is for those who choose to make a monthly donation on a recurring basis. Gifts can be as little as $5. Matching Gifts Each year, millions […]
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- [Meet the Team](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/about/meet-the-team/): MEET THE TEAM Our team is comprised of a small staff, backed by a community of committed volunteers, business leaders and world-class partners Staff & Key Volunteers Heroes Foundation team members bring varied experiences and perspectives to help execute our mission and expand our impact. CINDY TODD Program & Event Manager Vince and I started fundraising for cancer when he was going through his own cancer fight. My mom lost her third battle with cancer shortly after Vince finished his treatments. I’m fighting cancer because it causes so much pain for a lot of people. It takes loved ones away […]
- [About](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/about/): About Us
- [Team JOEY Program](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/about/team-joey-program/): The Heroes Foundation Team JOEY Program Bringing joy and supporting research and advocacy for Indiana’s youngest cancer patients The Heroes Foundation Team JOEY Program honors the memory of Joey Keller, who fought with a spirit and attitude that amazed and inspired family, friends and even caregivers. Request a Team JOEY LEGO Set Do you know someone battling cancer who would love the gift of a LEGO set from Team JOEY? Request a Team JOEY LEGO Set Bring joy to young cancer patients Individual and corporate gifts make it possible for LEGO bricks to bring a smile to a child’s face […]
- [Fundraising Events](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/support/fundraising-events/): Participate in Mission-Driving Events Attend, volunteer, sponsor and support Heroes’ fundraisers and partner events August 7-24, 2025 2025 Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home The Heroes Foundation is honored to be the non-profit beneficiary of the 2025 Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home. Don’t miss your chance to tour this luxurious home built and designed by Carrington Homes, Revkah Design, and Emily Handke Design. With 18,000 square feet of home that comes with picturesque views and luxurious furnishings, finishes, and amenities, you’re sure to come away in awe. You can tour this gorgeous Dream Home on select weekends this August, benefiting the Heroes Foundation. […]
- [Summit Partnership](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/support/summit-partnership/): Explore a Partnership With the Heroes Foundation Empower transformative cancer initiatives in Indiana ​​The cancer challenge requires collaboration and commitment among individuals, organizations and businesses. It blends support services and education with medical care and research. It calls on regular people to become advocates and volunteers. The cancer challenge needs you! Get Started HEROES FOUNDATION SUMMIT PARTNERSHIPS Summit Partner funding is critical to the programs and initiatives we support. The Heroes Foundation is a public, grant-making nonprofit that raises money to carry out the three areas of our mission: Meaningful supportto cancer patients Education to promotecancer prevention Resources to advanceresearch […]
- [Support](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/support/): Be a Hero
- [Cancer Research](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/what-we-do/cancer-research/): Providing resources to advance RESEARCH for a cure Researchers worldwide are uncovering better ways to prevent, diagnose, treat and beat cancer. But they are far from finished, and progress requires funding from private sources. Tireless, brilliant scholars are chasing cancer breakthroughs right here in Indiana. With internationally recognized research institutions in our own backyard, the Heroes Foundation focuses its research funding on projects in Indiana. HARPER CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME Exemplifying a cancer-fighting lifestyle As cancer develops, the pH increases inside affected cells. The lab Katharine White, Ph.D., is studying the role of pH as […]
- [Cancer Prevention](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/what-we-do/cancer-prevention/): Providing education and services to promote cancer PREVENTION Between a third and a half of cancers could be prevented on the basis of the medical community’s current knowledge of risk factors. Plus, prevention is cost-effective, its effects aren’t limited to high-risk subjects but extend to the entire population, and it is not dependent on socioeconomic status. Cancer prevention initiatives can reduce both the incidence of cancer and mortality. TEAM HEROES Exemplifying a cancer-fighting lifestyle Team Heroes is made up of about 50 Indiana athletes who compete at all levels of events sanctioned by USA Cycling, gravel/mountain bike/cyclocross, and USA Triathlon […]
- [Contact Us](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/contact-us/): Say Hello! 310 N. Alabama Street Suite B100 Indianapolis, IN 46204 317.983.6580 contactus@heroesfoundation.org Contact us
- [Cancer Support](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/what-we-do/cancer-support/): Providing meaningful SUPPORT to cancer patients When someone is diagnosed with cancer, their world is turned upside down. Being able to find and take advantage of support services fast is absolutely critical. Where families are overburdened, the Heroes Foundation shows up to relieve some of the stress put on those affected by cancer. Oncology Patient Assistance Fund Fulfilling cancer patients’ basic needs A cancer diagnosis impacts every aspect of a person’s life, from food security to housing. The Oncology Patient Assistance Fund at Community Health Network provides patients with gift cards so that access to food, gas, and life-saving medicine […]
- [What We Do](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/what-we-do/): We Empower Cancer Advances in Indiana Our mission is to provide meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention and resources to advance research for a cure. How we achieve holistic change No one person, organization or service can fulfill all of the Indiana cancer community’s needs. A holistic approach to supporting our neighbors requires support services and education to coexist and complement medical care and research. For these reasons, the Heroes Foundation raises money annually and distributes it to Indiana-based organizations that provide services that positively impact Hoosier cancer patients, caregivers, survivors, and scientists working towards a […]
- [Home](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/): VALIDATED BY THE COMMUNITY OUR MISSION To provide meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention and resources to advance research for a cure. GRANTS PROVIDED SINCE 2000 Support $ 0 Research $ 0 M Prevention $ 0 OUR MISSION To provide meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention and resources to advance research for a cure. GRANTS PROVIDED SINCE 2000 Support Research Prevention $427,500 Support $1.5 M Research $240,475 prevention EMPOWERING WORLD-CLASS CANCER INITIATIVES The Heroes Foundation is a public, grant-making nonprofit organization. The Foundation does not duplicate programs or services. Rather, it invests […]
- [Privacy Policy](https://herofoundation.goddardstrategies.com/privacy-policy/): At Heroes Foundation, accessible from www.heroesfoundation.org, one of our main priorities is the privacy of our visitors. This Privacy Policy document contains types of information that are collected and recorded by Heroes Foundation and how we use it. If you have additional questions or require more information about our Privacy Policy, do not hesitate to contact us at: Phone: 317.983.6580Email: contactus@heroesfoundation.org This Privacy Policy applies only to our online activities and is valid for visitors to our website with regard to the information that they share and/or collect on Heroes Foundation. This policy is not applicable to any information collected […]


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