NOTABLES
Brooke Desserich and Keith Desserich, The Cure Starts Now
Joel Bokelman and Marnie Bokelman, ChangingGears
Brooke and Keith Desserich founded The Cure Starts Now Foundation in 2007 after the loss of their first child, Elena, to diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a form of pediatric brain cancer. Their book “Notes Left Behind,” which describes their journey, became a New York Times bestseller and was published in 22 languages. They received recognition in 2015 from the Jefferson Awards Foundation and won the Jacqueline Onassis Award, considered the Nobel Prize for public and community service. The Desserichs goal to fuel research and support for families has turned into a global network connecting more than 1,000 families and has funded more than $34 million in research and support, including 125 medical grants to 100 hospitals. Brooke is the organization’s CEO, and Keith serves as board chair. What started as one family in Cincinnati is now a global movement with 50 chapters across three countries. The Desserich’s impact is a beacon of hope for all who have been touched by cancer. When they have any free time, they enjoy visiting the lake with their two daughters. Keith and Brooke Desserich
Marnie and Joel Bokelman are co-founders of ChangingGears, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that tackles poverty through affordable car ownership. Joel, the executive director, has used his vision and dedication to provide reliable transportation to over 300 clients annually, helping families overcome employment barriers. Marnie, as event coordinator, organizez community events, provides client support and shares success stories that inspire others. Together, they have grown ChangingGears into a staff of 11 and host the annual Grand Prix, a pedal kart relay fundraiser that attracts 350 attendees and raises $150,000 annually. From the organization’s early days, when Joel’s young daughter humorously questioned his “stealing” of donated cars, to today’s flourishing nonprofit, the Bokelmans’ commitment has been unwavering. When not working, they enjoy family time outdoors and church volunteer work. Their passion and dedication to serving the community have earned them widespread respect and recognition. Joel and Marnie Bokelman
Jim Murphy and Donna Murphy, Heaven’s Gain Ministries
Morgan Whaley and Andre Whaley, Love in Action
Inspired by difficult statistics and devastating losses of their own three babies to miscarriage, Jim and Donna Murphy established their nonprofit, Heaven’s Gain Ministries, in their basement. Today, operating from an office in Cincinnati, they employ six people and utilize 50 volunteers. According to Donna, executive director of Heaven’s Gain, she considers herself and Jim, the organization’s executive director, to be an “empowered couple,” stating, “Our ministry was inspired when Jim and I were desperate for help with our own loss. Today, the ministry we started receives families, shocked and fearful, into our office who have just received a devastating perinatal diagnosis. After effectively sharing our resources, HGM sends these parents forward, ready to meet their baby and to treasure the time they will have with their child.” The Murphys enjoy the company of their eight children and grandchildren. They regularly manage to carve out time to travel to a Florida beach.
Andre and Morgan Whaley, founders of Love in Action, have transformed their passion for service into a community hub in Mount Healthy. Since 2020 their organization has provided essential resources, including a food pantry, diaper bank, job training, laundry services and mental health support, assisting 150 families weekly. Their mission attempts to reflect Christ’s love through action, fulfilling basic needs and building community resilience. Besides running the nonprofit – Morgan as CEO and Andre as COO – the Whaleys also pastor their church and raise a family. Their food pantry supplies nutritious groceries to those facing food insecurity, while mental health services include counseling and workshops to break the stigma around mental wellness. Additionally, they offer free laundry days and a diaper giveaway program, supporting families’ hygiene and childcare needs. Through their dedication, the Whaleys have created a caring, inclusive environment that strengthens Morgan and Andre Whaley the community.
Jim and Donna Murphy
Chris Seelbach, Ohio Alleycat Resource & Spay/Neuter Clinic; Craig Schultz, College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation
Craig Schultz and Chris Seelbach
22
DEC ’24/JAN ’25
While Craig Schultz and Chris Seelbach lead in different nonprofit sectors, their efforts have a common theme of helping communities in Cincinnati. Craig is dedicated to building sustainable and inclusive communities, and his leadership as senior director of real estate development at CHCURC reflects his strong commitment to equitable urban development. After serving more than 10 years on Cincinnati City Council, Chris became executive director of OAR in 2022. He leads a team of 30 employees and more than 650 volunteers. All work together to improve the lives of cats, and the people who love them, through low-cost, highquality spay/neuter services as well as adopting out homeless cats. Seelbach and Schultz have been together for nearly 20 years and were married in Puerto Vallarta in 2018 – right in the middle of Hurricane Willa, at an outdoor venue! In their free time, they enjoy exploring restaurants in Cincinnati’s urban core.
Movers & Makers