“It Was Once A Dream” — The History of Champions of Hope
In spring 2008, while visiting with close friends, Sandi McCool – a nurse, a wife, and a friend fighting breast cancer – shared her dream of one day participating in a local event that would honor and encourage breast cancer survivors. That dream became a reality on October 25, 2008, when more than 500 participants gathered on the campus of Southeast Alabama Medical Center to embrace the fighting spirit of those who have battled breast cancer.
Each year the Champions of Hope charge has been lead by an inspiring individual who has new ideas and passion. Past chairs include, Kelli Cundith-2009, Kelli Hall-2010 and Franzi Bondy-2011. With every passing year the community participation becomes greater and the funds raised increase. During 2011, the event saw over 2,000 supporters turn out in support of the cause.
Franzi Bondy, a breast cancer survivor of 10 years, served as the 2011 Champions of Hope honorary chair. Assisting her, as Event Chairperson, will be Keely Mims a Foundation Trustee.
Raising more than $300,000 since its inaugural year proceeds from Champions of Hope helps expand cancer services and programs offered by the Medical Center, including the Southeast Regional Health Screening Program, a 45-foot mobile medical vehicle equipped with a mammography suite, lab and an education area that provides access to life-saving screening throughout a multi-county region.
We invite you to become a Champion of Hope. Make plans to attend Champions of Hope. The 5K Run/Walk, 1-Mile Fun Run, 25- & 45-Mile Cycling Event and Kids’ Race event will take place on the campus of Southeast Alabama Medical Center on Saturday, October 17, 2012 at the Southeast Alabama Medical Center. Online registration will begins August 1. Register early and don’t miss this morning of family fun for a great cause!
Sponsorship and team participation is encouraged and there will be special recognition for the largest team, the team raising the most money and the team with the best t-shirt design. For sponsorship and/or participant information, please contact the Medical Center Foundation office at 334-673-4150 or visit www.samcfoundation.org.
