EMPOWERING THE CANCER FIGHT
OUR MISSION
To provide meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention and resources to advance research for a cure.
DEAR SUPPORTERS AND FRIENDS OF THE HEROES FOUNDATION ,
As we reflect on 2023, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable achievements and strides the Heroes Foundation has made. 2023 was a testament to our collective dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to our mission: providing meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention , and resources to advance research for a cure.
ORGANIZATION MILESTONES
In addition to the momentous impact that the Heroes Foundation made for the cancer community this year (see page 15), we also reached new heights with our fundraising efforts, setting records at our An Evening With Heroes gala and Swing4Heroes Pro-Am Golf Tournament. These successes were made possible by our expanding family of corporate partners, whose generous support and collaboration have been pivotal.
Additionally, we welcomed our new Executive Director, Annie Martinez, whose leadership and vision are laying the groundwork for future growth and expanded impact. Annie brings a wealth of experience and a passion for our cause that will undoubtedly propel the Heroes Foundation to new levels of success.
FUTURE GOALS
In April 2024, I announced my plan to step down as Chairman of the Board of Directors after nearly 24 years of service. While this marks a significant transition, I remain deeply committed to the Heroes Foundation and its mission. I will continue to serve as a member of the Board and support the incoming Chairperson.
Our focus for the future is clear: The Heroes Foundation stands on the cusp of a renewed thrust toward our goal of consistently making a difference for the Indiana cancer community. We are poised to enhance our support systems for cancer patients, expand our educational initiatives to promote cancer prevention and contribute meaningfully to research efforts aimed at finding a cure. Together, with the continued support of our dedicated partners, volunteers and community members, we shall continue to make a profound impact.
In closing, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Your support, whether through donations, volunteerism or advocacy, is the cornerstone of our progress and success. Here’s to another year of hope, determination and collective action.
Thank you, and fight on,
Vince Todd, Jr., Chairman and Co-Founder #beatcancer
CHANGE IS HARD. BUT IT IS ALSO EXCITING!
I have spent most of my career establishing philanthropic programs, and change is the common denominator each time. While defining structure, processes, systems and best practices is critical to the work, it also takes everyone buying in and understanding their role for a true philanthropic effort to evolve and continue to grow year after year.
Part of what first drew me and many of our supporters to the Heroes Foundation was founders Vince and Cindy Todd’s deep emotional connection to the venture. I was also drawn to the opportunity to take the organization further. We started on this path to growth in 2023 by having many open and candid conversations.
As a result of listening to various stakeholders and time spent establishing a trust-based relationship with the founders, the following initiatives are underway:
k Board education on roles and responsibilities
k Defined responsibilities for the organization’s staff
k Building a culture that is a model for transparency, open communication and feedback
k A long-term succession plan
These changes are designed to propel innovation and ensure that the founders can continue contributing to their vision without inhibiting the Foundation’s ability to adapt and grow. Moreover, each strategy serves to actively encourage volunteer ownership of the Foundation’s mission and long-term sustainability.
I want to thank Vince and Cindy Todd for transitioning to a new kind of leadership — one that directs, inspires and empowers our team of players — and for handing over responsibility and trusting my leadership. I am also grateful for the existing knowledge base among our Board of Directors, whom I look forward to leaning on for issues outside of my expertise.
As we prepare for the 25th Anniversary of the Heroes Foundation, we are positioning for growth. I hope all of you will join me, our founders, the newly established Executive Committee and the Board of Directors as we take our mission and integrate it into strategy and key decisions for long-term sustainability.
I invite you to help us increase the positive impact that a group of individuals can have when they stand together and share a commitment to all Hoosiers affected by a cancer diagnosis.
Sincerely,
Andra “Annie” Martinez, Executive Director
2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FIRST COLUMN
DANIEL ABDALLAH
The Brookfield Group
LOREN ANDERSON
BRYAN BABB
Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
KELLY CANADA
Rolls-Royce
KARA CLINTON
Eli Lilly and Company
ANDRU CREIGHTON
Cortez Labs
RYAN DOYLE
Capital Group
AMY FRIZZELL
Forvis Private Client
SECOND COLUMN
CHRIS HENDRICKS
Duncan Supply Company
JAMES HINSHAW
Dentons Bingham Greenebaum
MATT KING
F.C. Tucker & Company
EMILY LEFEBVRE
eimagine Technology Group Inc.
STEPHANIE
RUFENBARGER LESHER
Heroes Foundation
ANNIE MARTINEZ
Heroes Foundation
STEVEN PEACHEY JR.
Community Health Network
DR. JASON SCHAFFER
IU Health
THIRD COLUMN
DR. CATHERINE TODD
Pact
CINDY TODD
Heroes Foundation
JOSEPH TODD
Accessa
VINCE TODD, JR.
Accessa & Heroes Foundation
BOB TREASH
Givergy
FRED YEAKEY
Providence Cristo Rey High School
BRYCE ZOELLER
Kightlinger & Gray, LLP
FORMER DIRECTORS OF THE BOARD
Brian Betner, Hall Render
Don Birch, Van Ausdall & Farrar
Kyle Fisher, Community Health Network
Renita Haines, CPA
Mike Kaplan, Integrate
Pat Murphy, Marathon Health
Joel Russell, eImagine Technology Group Inc.
John Ryan, OrthoIndy
HEROES FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING
We are so grateful for the sponsors and individuals who support the Heroes Foundation at our fundraising events. Save the date to join us at an upcoming fundraiser!
AN EVENING WITH HEROES
JW Marriott, Indianapolis
Pictured: January 28, 2023
SAVE THE DATE! 25th Annual Celebration on January 25, 2025.
FIT4HEROES
Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center & Virtual
Pictured: June 2023
Month-long fitness campaign! June 2024
WINE TASTING WITH PEACHEY,
UNCORKED BY REHAB MEDICAL, THE MIDDAUGH FAMILY, AND VALEO FINANCIAL ADVISORS
Indiana Design Center, Carmel
Pictured: June 23, 2023
#PIFF PARTY, PAID FORWARD BY EIMAGINE
The Vogue Theatre, Indianapolis
Pictured: August 31, 2023
SWING4HEROES,
TEED UP BY HAYS+SONS COMPLETE RESTORATION AND SBC WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Highland Golf & Country Club, Indianapolis
Pictured: September 21, 2023
Come swing with us! September 26, 2024.
THREE SUMMITS
WORKING TOGETHER
One organization or service cannot fulfill the complex needs of the Indiana cancer community. The great challenge that cancer poses requires collaboration among many individuals and organizations. It requires support services and education to coexist and complement medical care and research.
This is why we are changing lives together at the Heroes Foundation.
The Heroes Foundation raises money annually and disperses funds to Indiana-based organizations that provide services that positively impact cancer patients, caregivers, survivors and scientists working towards a cure.
These world-class partners further our mission and represent our three foci or summits: Support, Prevention, Research . With support from our generous sponsors and donors, the Heroes Foundation strives to reach these summits every day.
MEANINGFUL SUPPORT TO CANCER PATIENTS
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE EASES THE CANCER JOURNEY
When Darlene R. was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, her medical care team at Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center in Indianapolis removed half of her pancreas, 18 lymph nodes and her spleen. Following surgery, she began six months of chemotherapy. Darlene is on a fixed income, which made her harrowing physical journey even more challenging.
The financial burden of a cancer diagnosis is a pervasive issue, which is why since 2015, the Heroes Foundation has supported the Community Health Network Foundation Oncology Patient Assistance Fund, including a $15K gift in 2023. This critical source of financial assistance connects cancer patients in need to food, medicine, transportation, and housing and utilities assistance.
Social workers, nurse navigators and financial counselors helped 665 new patients and distributed 2,187 gift cards to patients in need in 2023 — more than any year since the Fund’s inception in 2014.
During her treatment and recovery, Darlene received $250 gift cards to pay for groceries and supplies, and received assistance to cover basic utilities through the winter.
“This helped tremendously,” she said. “I can’t tell you, on a monthly limited income through disability, what that kind of help meant to me.”
During a follow-up appointment from a procedure to resolve a pinched nerve, Milton B.’s primary care physician found a lesion that led to a prostate cancer diagnosis.
“It hits you like a ton of bricks,” Milton said. “I figured it would be a long road, but I wasn’t sure what to expect.”
For emotional and spiritual support, he turned to his family. However, he had to leave his job of thirteen years, making his wife the sole income earner for their household. To lighten the financial burden, Milton used Oncology Patient Assistance Fund gift cards to purchase food and gas, and cover some of their utility bills.
“That was a huge relief,” he said. “It took a lot of pressure off of us and eased our minds a lot.”
The Heroes Foundation is proud to partner with the Community Health Network Foundation Oncology Patient Assistance Fund to further their invaluable support for cancer patients.
MORE 2023 SUPPORT
FUN & PLAY FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER
500+ LEGO sets provided to pediatric cancer patients at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital (Indianapolis), Riley Hospital for Children (Indianapolis), Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and Lutheran Children’s Hospital (Fort Wayne) through the Heroes Foundation’s Team JOEY volunteer-driven outreach program. Plus, Team JOEY hosted 6 in-hospital parties — our first back at Riley since the pandemic!
IMPROVING THE CHILDREN’S CARE EXPERIENCE
The Heroes Foundation Team JOEY Cityscape Room opened at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. Renovations of the inpatient pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) room were made possible by a $50K gift from the Heroes Foundation Team JOEY program.
SUPPORTING ADULTS WITH CANCER
$15K to fund the CompleteLife Art Show providing art therapy to cancer patients at IU Simon Cancer Center and $15K to fund First Mondays support groups for patients and their families at IUSCCC.
PREVENTION
EDUCATION TO PROMOTE CANCER PREVENTION
TEAM HEROES EXEMPLIFIES A CANCER-FIGHTING
LIFESTYLE AND SPIRIT
David Greene joined Team Heroes in 2008 because the group’s connection to the Heroes Foundation gave his cycling habit a higher meaning.
“I always wanted to be a supporter, not a supportee,” David says, but 11 years later, at the age of 57, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Heroes Foundation Co-Founder Vince Todd, Jr. and Don Birch launched Team Heroes in 2001. Today, the group’s 45 highly active members compete at all levels of events sanctioned by USA Cycling, gravel/mountain bike/cyclocross, and USA Triathlon throughout the Midwest and beyond. Members are primarily masters racers, but the team is working to grow its collegiate recruits and welcomes all levels of enthusiasts.
By doing what they love, Team Heroes cyclists proudly represent the Heroes Foundation while exemplifying the healthy lifestyle that can help prevent cancer. They also support one another through tough times, such as David’s diagnosis.
“Most team members have been impacted by cancer somehow. Being associated with the Heroes Foundation gives us a sense of purpose,” says Court Maple, race director for Team Heroes. “It’s a community outside of family and work where people can lean on and support one another.”
David, who is Region President at First Merchants Bank, was diligent about cancer screenings, and his cancer was detected at an early stage. Doctors monitored his PSA levels, and after nine months of “active surveillance,” an increase in his PSA score led David to a prostatectomy.
Cancer survivor and Team Heroes member David Greene competed in the 2023 Iceman Cometh race in Traverse City, Michigan.
Team Heroes members Carson Shadowen, David Greene, Rick Dennen, Don Birch and Al Stanley enjoy the camaraderie of leading a healthy lifestyle together.
His teammates were on indoor trainers during the cold winter months in 2019. “I would still go over to see the guys spinning,” he says. David was fit from riding with Team Heroes, so his recovery was swift. He was back on a spin bike in a matter of weeks.
“I would stand and spin for 10 minutes, take a break and then spin again. The guys would say, ‘You’re doing great!’ They cared about me and inspired me, making me want to go hard, even though I couldn’t go that hard yet.”
Teammates texted and called during his recovery. David had met cancer survivors through Team Heroes and heard stories about members’ loved ones undergoing cancer treatment. All of it made him feel much less alone when he was on his cancer journey.
“Team Heroes is a huge part of my life. They’re a great group of people — energetic, outgoing, zest-for-life types who support one another,” David says.
He soon returned to the long group rides he loved. When his cancer recurred in 2020, his teammates were there for him. He underwent 40 days of radiation and was prescribed medication that led to weight gain and loss of energy.
“I had to work my way back. The Team knew I was struggling, so guys hung in the back of the pack and encouraged me to keep going,” he says. And work he did. By the summer of 2021, David says, “I felt fast and inspired. I made some progress and I was right in the middle of the pack again.”
“We ride for a purpose,” says Court, who has been on the team since 2012. “Through Team Heroes, we race for something bigger than ourselves.” Team Heroes cyclists host annual LEGO drives for Heroes Foundation Team JOEY, rally participation in Fit4Heroes, and participate in fundraising events.
“We are here to ride and we understand our purpose,” Court says. For members like David Greene, Team Heroes became the support he needed when he least expected it.
MORE 2023 PREVENTION EDUCATING FUTURE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
Alyssa Shope was named the first recipient of the Andrew S. Hipskind MD Memorial Scholarship, established and partially funded by the Heroes Foundation and managed by Indiana University Foundation and IU Athletics. Shope is a sophomore cross-country athlete on IU’s premed academic track.
CANCER PREVENTION & CLINICAL CARE
$30K (part of a $60K commitment) to the Patient Multidisciplinary Oncologic Vitality and Exercise (MOVE) program at IU Simon Cancer Center to study the impact of exercise on cancer prevention and outcomes, and to support cancer patients’ health and physical function. (Indiana University Foundation)
RESEARCH
RESOURCES TO ADVANCE RESEARCH FOR A CURE.
CATHERINE PEACHEY FUND ADVANCES BREAST CANCER RESEARCH
The Catherine Peachey Fund was founded in 1994 in honor of Cathy Peachey, an activist, tireless volunteer for breast cancer patients and one of the founders of the Indiana Breast Cancer Coalition. Cathy helped lead the way for the Off-Label Drug Bill, which now guarantees access to non-FDA approved anticancer drugs.
The Catherine Peachey Fund partnered with the IU Simon Cancer Center in 2005 to establish the project that became the Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank. More than 5,000 women have donated breast tissue to the KTB, and at least 171 research projects around the world have accessed samples from the KTB.
The Peachey Fund became part of the Heroes Foundation in 2016 and returned to independent nonprofit status in 2023.
“As the Catherine Peachey Fund begins its next chapter of funding breast cancer research and programs in Indiana, we want to express our gratitude for the support the Heroes Foundation has provided over the past seven years, especially in regard to research proposal reviews, pushing the Peachey Fund to think bigger, marketing support and friendships,” says Stephanie Rufenbarger Lesher, Catherine Peachey Fund Program Manager.
In 2023, the Peachey Fund provided $25K to Dr. Hari Nakshatri and Michele Coté of IU Simon Cancer Center to continue their research on inflammatory breast cancer. Their team recently conducted an analysis that showed that most
inflammatory breast cancers do not originate from the same cells as other breast cancers. They will use their $25K gift to study how inflammatory breast cancers originate and how they are different from more common breast cancer subtypes.
Cancer research seed funding like this is critical. Without startup funding like the kind the Heroes Foundation provides, gifted researchers could not obtain larger grants and funding sources.
Cathy Peachey was an activist, tireless volunteer for breast cancer patients and one of the founders of the Indiana Breast Cancer Coalition.
The Peachey Fund also provided funds in 2023 to the following projects on the leading edge of breast cancer research:
k $15K to Purdue University researchers Ann Kirchmaier and Nadia Atallah Lanman for their study, “Revealing Genome Integrity Defect Targets in Breast Cancer”
k $15K to Dorothy Teegarden, Kimberly Buhman and Chaylen Andolino at Purdue University to study the “Role of the Proteome of Cytoplasmic Lipid Droplets in Metastasis”
k $8K to the Komen Tissue Bank Summer Intern Program to support hiring three part-time interns
And finally, after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Amelia Project was back in 2023. The Amelia Project fosters collaboration among scientists and clinicians specializing in breast cancer research and was made possible through support from the Heroes Foundation Catherine Peachey Fund.
“We are grateful for the special people that are a part of the Heroes Foundation, and we continue to support the good work that Heroes is doing for the cancer community,” Stephanie says.
The Heroes Foundation is grateful for the incredible work the Catherine Peachey Fund carries out to further cancer research in Indiana!
MORE 2023 RESEARCH
HEREDITARY CANCER RESEARCH
$20K (part of a $42K commitment) to Dr. Nawal Kassem’s research on hereditary cancer syndrome (SJP Heroes Cancer Research Fund, Indiana University Foundation)
PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH
$10K (part of a $30K commitment) to Dr. Jennifer Belsky to further research on decreasing the detrimental side effects children and teens experience while receiving cancer therapy. (Indiana University Foundation)
CANCER RESEARCH
$25K commited to Katharine White, PhD, to study how intracellular pH dynamics regulate proteins, pathways and cancer cell behaviors. (Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame)
HEROES FOUNDATION MEDICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Julie Otte, PhD, RN, OCN (Indiana University School of Nursing) as well as Heroes Foundation board members James Hinshaw, Dr. Jason Schaffer, Dr. Catherine Todd and Vince Todd, Jr. make up the committee that vets and chooses the promising projects at research institutions across Indiana that the Heroes Foundation funds.
THAT’S MORE PEOPLE THAN THE POPULATION OF THE FOLLOWING CITIES COMBINED :
Fort Wayne Evansville
South Bend Muncie
Kokomo Indianapolis Carmel Greenwood West Lafayette Lafayette Anderson Bloomington Terre Haute Crawfordsville Warsaw Fishers Columbus Hammond Gary Noblesville Elkhart
INDIANA NEEDS CANCER HEROES, SO THE HEROES FOUNDATION WILL KEEP FIGHTING .
*American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Atlanta. American Cancer Society, 2021. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancerorg/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-andfigures/2021/cancer-facts-and-figures-2021.pdf.
2023 WAS A HEROIC YEAR
$83,000 disbursed to support cancer patients and their families *
$137,500 disbursed to empower cancer research
*Includes funds disbursed to support partner programs.
2023 SUMMIT PARTNERS
Heroes Foundation Summit Partners provide critical support to our organization throughout the entire year. These corporate partners are engaged in the Heroes Foundation in various ways and were represented at all of our 2023 fundraising events.
EVEREST PARTNERS
DENALI PARTNER
KILIMANJARO PARTNERS
CORPORATE SPONSORS AND IN-KIND DONORS
k A&R Erectors
k American Structurepoint
k AML Construction
k Arlington Roe
k Barrett Eye Care
k BGW Construction
k Bison Financial Group
k Bloombase
k Brauer Family Dentistry
k Bright Ideas
k Browning Investments
k BuildSmart
k Caliber Home Loans
k Cater Me Café
k CIE
k CleanSlate Technology Group
k Clearfly Communications
k Clustertruck
k Community First Bank
k Cork Medical - Patrick McGinley
k Cornerstone Companies
k Craig Dehut Media
k Creighton Family Fund
k Crooked Ewe Brewery
k DairyChem/Church Family Foundation
k Daniel Grose Photography
k Dant Advocacy
k Densborn Blachly LLP
k DOZ Foundation
k Ellis & Associates - Re/Max
k Enflora
k Everpure/Pentair
k First Bank Richmond
k First Internet Bank
k Four Day Ray Brewing
k H.J. Spier Company - John Null
k Harding Poorman
k Harper Cancer Research Institute
k Haynes Roofing
k Healthcare Products Delivery - HPD
k Heinnies
k Helmreich Law
k Henkel
k Highland Golf & Country Club
k Hollister Corp
k HotBox Pizza
k HTPG
k Ice Miller LLP
k IHIF
k Indiana Design Center
k Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Company
k Indianapolis Fruit
k Indy Characters & More
k JDC Supply
k Just Pop In
k Karen Kay Marlett Photography
k KBIC Consulting
k Kelly Todd Group
k Kennedy Tank & Manufacturing Co., Inc.
k Ladine Podiatry
k Leo Brown Group
k Littler Mendelson - Brian Mosby
k Marathon Health
k Markey’s Rental and Staging
k Matt King Realty Group
k Merchants Capital
k Milesi
k Mitsubishi Electric (METUS)/ American Standard
k Morgan Stanley - Mark Linden
k National Bank of Indianapolis
TEAM HEROES SPONSORS
k Heroes Foundation
k SBC Wealth Management
k Primrose Schools
k Taft
k First Merchants Bank
k Helmreich Law
k Daystar Direction Drilling
k Four Day Ray
k NCP Coatings
k Nu-Calgon
k Peace Water Winery
k RndFwd
k Shepherd Insurance
k Sherfick Companies
k Shiel Sexton - Mike Dilts
k SIMPLICITY Cold-Pressed
Juice & Cocktails
k Singer Wealth Advisory of Raymond James
k Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Indiana
k Sun King Brewing
k SurfPrep
k Sysco Corporation
k Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
k Target Distributing
k The Bell Family
k The Cripe Family
k The DesJean Family
k The Gallagher Family
k The Goins and Shadowen Families
k The Harlan Family
k The Kennedy Family
k The Middaugh Family
k The Peachey Family
k The Rufenbarger-Lesher Family
k The Teed Family
k Travelers Insurance - R. Plum
k Valeo Financial Advisors
k Vanilla Bean
k VonLehman
k WestPoint Financial GroupVince Saul
k Oak Street Funding
k Horse Soldier
k Motion Bicycles
k Giordana
A LOOK AT THE FINANCIALS
REVENUE
Contributions & Special Events 1,018,489.14 (77%)
Other Income (Including Investments) 311,820.27 (23%)
Total Income 1,330,309.41
EXPENSES
Grants and Programs 329,017.11 (39%)
Management and General 307,067.11 (37%)
Development and Fundraising 202,966.44 (24%)
Total Expenses 839,050.66
NET INCOME $491,258.75
PARTNER WITH US Download our Corporate Partnership Guide at heroesfoundation.org/partner-program. Request a print copy by emailing contactus@heroesfoundation.org or call 317-983-6580.
DONATE All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Visit heroesfoundation.org/donate or scan the QR code to the left.
VOLUNTEER Become a hero for the cancer community! Email contactus@heroesfoundation.org or call 317-983-6580.
OUR TEAM
VINCE TODD, JR. Chairman and Co-Founder
TARA HOLCOMB Marketing Coordinator
ANNIE MARTINEZ Executive Director
RUFENBARGER LESHER Program Manager, Catherine Peachey Fund
CINDY TODD Program & Event Manager, and Co-Founder
CANADA Program Manager, Team JOEY
KELLY
STEPHANIE
HEROESFOUNDATION.ORG 317-983-6580
CONTACTUS@HEROESFOUNDATION.ORG