HCM Foundation Races to Help Cancer Victims Endure the Fight

A new hope is on the horizon for families afflicted by cancer and for those whose hearts go out to them but feel helpless in such a somber circumstance. Since October of last year, HCM Foundation is actively connecting cancer patients, survivors, and their families with companies, endurance athletes, and individuals willing to offer their support.

The idea for the HCM Foundation was inspired in Mike Marsteller, a 27 year old whose family still endures the lasting impact of cancer. Marsteller was just a baby when his father (Harvey C. Marsteller – HCM) lost his battle with colon cancer at the young age of 30. Marsteller’s mother, despite being a young mother of two and having just lost her life partner, had to forge ahead working and handling daily life as a grieving single parent. Growing up in the Lehigh Valley region, Marsteller witnessed similar scenes among other cancer-stricken families and 26 years after his dad’s passing made a decision.

“It was finally time to do more than just say, ‘I understand and I wish there was something I could do to help,’” Marsteller, president and founder of HCM Foundation, said. “Through the foundation I am able to put my learning experiences to good use and help others.”

The foundation, including acting board members Paul Aemisegeo, Mike Carriglitto, Christopher Garges, and Alex Barth, directs and co-directs with local companies and universities running and walking events throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. These events bring the community together to celebrate life and raise funds to support families battling cancer. For regular endurance runners and triathletes, HCM began its Fund Racing program in which Fund Racers receive personalized coaching and nutritional guidance and their own fundraising webpage as they train for the CGI UNITE half marathon or any races of their choice. HCM has also registered with iGive.com, an online shopping mall where a portion of each purchase can go toward HCM at no cost to the shopper.

All funds raised go directly into the hands of those who are suffering to assist with groceries, medical bills, travel expenses, and other needs. HCM works closely with the social work department at the Fox Chase Cancer Center – a nonprofit institution formed in 1974 by the union of the Institute for Cancer Research and the American Oncologic Hospital, one of the nation’s first cancer hospitals – to locate appropriate recipients for the funds. HCM’s proceeds also fund the HCM Foundation College Scholarship Program to assist high school and college students who have been significantly impacted by cancer or wish to pursue a career in a cancer-related field.

“My motivation and that of HCM is driven by the strength we find within families we help every day,” Marsteller said. “As HCM Foundation unfolds, it will be a great thing for everyone involved including those who receive help and those who donate help.”

HCM’s next event is the Run Daddy Run 5K at 8:30 a.m. on Father’s Day weekend, Saturday, June 19, 2010, in Kingwood Park, NJ. The event also includes a Two-Mile Support Walk and .5-Mile Kids Fun Run.

You can learn more about the HCM Foundation at www.hcmfoundation.org.