Our Story

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

In 2000, a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma left 26-year-old Vince Todd, Jr. reeling. His new wife, Cindy Todd, was just as blindsided. As Vince visited doctors and hospitals for treatment, the young couple leaned on friends and family to help.

During his months of chemotherapy, Vince started reading Lance Armstrong’s It’s Not About the Bike, much of which covers his fight with advanced testicular cancer. Vince was inspired. He and Cindy believed that they were facing this battle for a reason. Part of the reason was to make an impact on the cancer community in Indiana.

The Todds received the news that Vince’s cancer was gone on Jan. 11, 2001. With a clean bill of health and new sense of purpose, they rallied friends and family. Together, they launched the Heroes Foundation, officially taking its name in May 2001 as a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.

Heroes Mission

To provide meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention and resources to advance research for a cure.

Support

Cancer patient care must extend beyond medical treatments to provide emotional, financial and educational aid. In addition, caregivers navigating this scary uncharted territory need guidance. This is why Support initiatives are so important and needed in the cancer community.

Prevention

Up to 95 percent of cancers have their roots in the environment and lifestyle. A person’s family history does not necessarily determine their chances of developing cancer. This is why cancer Prevention in the form of lifestyle changes and early-detection initiatives is so important.

Research

To make sure bright minds in cancer research keep developing ways to change and save lives — and ultimately find a cancer cure — Research dollars must be available. The Heroes Foundation funds select initiatives and research projects best positioned to move from the bench to the clinic.

2020 in review

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Meet the Board of Directors guiding the ambitious vision of the Heroes Foundation, and our creative, energetic staff.

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