I cannot think of another nonprofit that has more heart and soul than HERA Women's Cancer Foundation. HERA was founded by Sean Patrick in 2002 after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Sadly, Sean succumbed to her cancer in 2009 but her outstanding spirit and vision live on through the organization.
One of HERA's primary vehicles for involvement and fundraising is the Climb for Life series. Along with being a metaphor for the struggles we all face in life, Sean saw rock climbing as a way to build community and to just give folks a chance break totally free of their daily issues. If you are ever lucky enough to attend one of these events, you'll see a pretty amazing community of survivors and supporters.
On the practical side, this is an organization that returns a full 88% of the funds raised to their programs: funding cutting edge research and community support and awareness. The E.D., Meg Steitz, runs a tight ship and is 100% focused on the mission. Both the board and advisory team are made up of incredibly talented and passionate people. We give a sizable donation to HERA every year and I am 100% confident these funds are used judiciously and in a way that has real world implications for women facing ovarian cancer.
If you have the time, check out the KUED documentary on Sean and HERA. http://www.kued.org/productions/climb-for-life/?area=videos
I got involved with HERA earlier this year as a public relations advisor and consultant. Coincidentally, my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last fall, so the passion I have for this cause goes well beyond my professional life. From the time I got involved with HERA, I knew that this was an organization that changes lives. HERA helps all women and their families by increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, hopefully encouraging early detection. The organization supports survivors and their families with its inspirational programs and events like Climb4Life and the Ovarian Cancer Summit in Denver. Finally, HERA is working to advance ovarian cancer research through its grants to well-respected medical institutions and professionals around the country. This is an organization that is making an impact on ovarian cancer in both the present and future. The knowledge and resources I've gained throughout my work with HERA have been invaluable and have helped my mother and family in our fight against this horrible disease. I am confident HERA is doing the same for countless other people nationwide.
As a sponsor of the HERA Climb4Life events it has been a pleasure working with Meg and the HERA Foundation. Every year we can rely on well organized events, friendly faces and a great cause to invest our resources and energy. We look forward to continuing our support for the organization to do our part to raise awareness for women's cancer and bring rock climbing to a new community of like-minded individuals.
dear all, my aunt had breast cancer 4 years ago, after breast amputation she was ok, undergoing her regular examinations, but this year in August she was troubled by backache, and as it appeared she has two hubs on vertebra - one on neck and second to the lower back.. and she needs immediate procedures that cost too expensive in our country, (Tbilisi/ Georgia) otherwise her life is under question mark ... please advise to us some international organization that can financially support her.. please be kind and do not hesitate to answer us.. best regards Teona
This foundation was formed to increase awareness among women about ovarian cancer and they do it in a way that's connected with the outdoors! What's not to love! I've been a long term supporter/sponsor of HERA Foundation because I believe what they do is going to make a positive impact on the lives of women. Keep up the great work HERA!
I have been involved with the HERA women's cancer foundation since the first Climb4life (C4L) event, which was around the same time my mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. The guidance, support and community I found in this organization was phenomenal. HERA's mission is to stop the loss of women's lives from ovarian cancer. They do this by educating the community about the symptoms of ovarian cancer through their events such as C4L and by raising funds to support research and the ovarian cancer community. All who come in contact with HERA via their events are deeply touched by the passion and commitment of the foundation and those involved. HERA is a lean organization that gives back over 85% of it's monies to it' s mission. I have played many roles in this exceptional foundation and am proud and honored to currently be a board member.
The HERA Women's Cancer Foundation is an exceptional organization that has served not only the medical community through it's science grants but the support community as well through community grants. The Climb4Life Series as well as the Run Like a Girl series give creative ways for everyone to participate and help end this vicious and and aggressive cancer. During my work on Climb4Life Boston, I heard countless stories of lives ravaged by ovarian cancer. I learned that more than 15,000 women will die of this disease each year. Through activism and activity this organization has been bringing awareness, funding and a commitment to Health Empowerment Research and Awareness. Working with them has changed my life and the lives of so many women who might otherwise not have known the symptoms or had a support system during and after their illness.
I discovered the HERA Women's Cancer Foundation a year into my mother's ovarian cancer diagnosis. It was quite obviously the most difficult time of my life. Not a day goes by that I don't miss my strong, beautiful mum. But in the midst of all that darkness, HERA shined a light. The people I have met have changed my life in so many positive and beautiful ways. I have since become a member of the Board and my family and I have raised over $100,000 for the cutting edge research that HERA funds. There are many deserving organizations raising money for hundreds of good causes, but I don't believe there is one that does more to lift the souls and spirits of survivors and their families than HERA does.
My wife and I have been travelling to Salt Lake yearly ever since the first HERA Climb4Life event. Not only is this a great event for climbers to come share the experience of SLC in early autumn, but the inspiration and support from the participants, volunteers and survivors is something that carries benefits way beyond anything financial. HERA maintains a small board and minimal operating costs so that they are able to give at least 80% of money raised directly to women's cancer issues. The foundation, itself, continues to evolve and look for ways to make the most impact through effective use of resources. AND IT IS WORKING! HERA's tremendous efforts are increasing the awareness about ovarian cancer its symptoms, leading to cases of early detection and tremendous advancements in research.
Review from Guidestar
I have been involved with the HERA foundation since its beginning because I knew its founder, Sean Patrick. The foundation has continued to grow, maintain careful stewardship and hold true to its mission in the decade I have helped the HERA foundation manage their grants program. The HERA foundation has funded typically three fellowship grants for cutting edge scientific research to combat ovarian cancer each year at my employer, Johns Hopkins University. The projects and the recipients are carefully screened for innovation and quality by a group of independent experts. I have also attended most of the Climb for Life events in Salt Lake City and Washington DC Metro area. They have been both great fun and inspiring. This is a wonderful organization. Richard Roden, PhD
Review from Guidestar
I have participated in HERA events and have also, through my own small Ovarian Cancer related non-profit, been a grant recipient. I first heard of HERA shortly after completing my original treatment for ovarian cancer. I was thrilled to find an organization that supports basic, front line research. My family and I were thrilled to participate in a Climb 4 Life event. The climbing is a wonderful way to get folks involved-- beyond the usual running crowd. A highlight of the events is having the local recipients of research monies come to describe their research.
Review from Guidestar