Heroes of Hope: Profiles of Courage

About the Initiative

"Heroes of Hope: Profiles of Courage" is a survivorship initiative involving the selection of cancer survivors across New York and New Jersey.

The Heroes of Hope and their Profiles of Courage provide a highly visible symbol of personal victory over cancer and encourage support and participation in the programs of the American Cancer Society. Cancer survivors inspire us, reaffirm our mission with the American Cancer Society, and reinforce, in a personal way, the need to eliminate cancer from our lives, within our lifetime.

This effort has three primary goals:

• To identify cancer survivors with exemplary involvement in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life®
• To broaden the reach, effectiveness, and outreach of survivorship year-round; and,
• To develop a broad and diverse group of Relay For Life Survivor spokespersons.

Eastern Division (NY and NJ) Heroes of Hope, are selected for their ability to inspire hope and their courage and determination to fight back against cancer. Last year marked the inception of the program for NY and NJ, honoring 26 Survivors. Numerous Heroes have been featured in national, division and local videos, publications and campaign promotions.

View the 2008-2009 class

Watch as the Heroes talk about what it means to be recognized with such honor. Hear them talk about their commitment to Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society.

Heroes can be utilized in a variety of ways to encourage participation and support. Some examples are included below. Invite a Hero to speak at:  Team meetings Committee meetings Relay rallies Kick-offs Team captain meetings The Society's Board Meetings RFL Mini Conference Recruitment visits Involve a Hero in American Cancer Society programs and services such as: Reach to Recovery® trainings and visits Road to Recovery trainings and trips  I Can Cope® Look Good...Feel Better® Other support group meetings

Request a Hero

Your Heroes of Hope are ready to tell their American Cancer Society story. If you're looking for a Hero of Hope to share encouragement and inspiration throughout the year, contact Kerry Murano of the Relay For Life Business Unit at 973.285.8046 or Kerry.Murano@cancer.org.