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 over 75 Indiana athletes who compete at all levels of events sanctioned by USA Cycling, gravel/mountain bike/cyclocross, and USA Triathlon throughout the Midwest and beyond. Team Heroes members represent the Heroes Foundation while exemplifying a cancer-preventing, healthy lifestyle. The team was formed in 2001 after Heroes Foundation Founder Vince Todd, Jr. and cyclist Don Birch met in a parking lot at a Livestrong cycling event in Austin, Texas. The men joined forces to launch Team Heroes in Indianapolis.
Most of Team Heroes’ highly active members are over 40 years old
Members include cancer survivors, and Heroes Foundation advocates and board members
ANDREW S. HIPSKIND MD
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Educating future healthcare professionals
In memory of Dr. Andrew S. Hipskind (1972-2021), the Heroes Foundation established a scholarship to support outstanding students pursuing a career in healthcare at Indiana University. Hipskind was the Chief Medical Officer for Indiana University Athletics. Our first Andrew S. Hipskind MD Memorial Scholarship was awarded in 2023. The gift is partially funded by the Heroes Foundation and managed by Indiana University Foundation and IU Athletics.
FIT4HEROES
Promoting cancer prevention through lifestyle
The Heroes Foundation’s Fit4Heroes campaign encourages the connection between exercise and cancer prevention. Participants set health goals, create or join teams, and use provided fundraising pages to generate awareness and donations for the Heroes Foundation.
Grail for firefighters
Free cancer screenings at Community Health Network
Firefighters are exposed to higher-than-average numbers of carcinogens in pursuit of saving lives. Through the GRAIL initiative at Community Health Network, our local heroes can access cancer screenings for free.
NORTHSIDE INDY MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB
Helping young people pursue healthy lifestyles
With financial help from the Heroes Foundation, student-athletes facing financial barriers can participate in the NorthSide Indy Mountain Bike Club. The NICA program is dedicated to using mountain biking as a platform to build character, confidence, and community among athletes in grades 5–12, with health and wellness being key to the mission.
DUNCAN SUPPLY MULTIPLIES OUR IMPACT
Inspired by Gary Hendricks when he was diagnosed with cancer, Duncan Supply Company’s philanthropic support of the Heroes Foundation has consistently expanded since becoming a Summit Partner in 2019. Company president Chris Hendricks, Gary’s son, serves on our Board of Directors, and employees of the family-owned business have participated in Team JOEY in-hospital parties and our annual gala.
