Cash, Sweat & Tears Award

CashSweatTears_4color The Cash, Sweat & Tears Awards honor the passion of North America’s most extraordinary volunteers – the people who take on physical challenges, overcome obstacles or raise huge sums from friends, family and colleagues for your cause.

Each year the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum invites athletic event and peer-to-peer fundraising programs to nominate one inspiring participant for the Cash Sweat and Tears Award. Every nominee is recognized with a Cash, Sweat & Tears Certificate of Merit and the winner is honored at our annual conference. The organization nominating the Cash, Sweat & Tears Award winner receives a cash donation.

The Cash, Sweat & Tears Award is generously sponsored by

2019 Winner: Jacki Splittorf-Sullins

Jacki Splittorf-Sullins is founder and organizer of the Baxter Trails CureSearch Hike — an annual fundraiser in South Carolina that has so far raised nearly $150,000 for the cancer nonprofit CureSearch for Children’s Cancer and has spawned a number of similar hikes across the country that raise money for the charity. She also founded Harlan’s Heroes, a nonprofit that provides support to parents of children who are battling cancer — and has been a leading advocate for families after losing her son, Harlan, to the disease.

Read Jacki’s story

2019 Honor Roll

We received a long list of outstanding volunteers who were nominated for the 2019 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. We recognize all of the nominees by listing them in our 2019 Honor Roll:

- Adrianna Ruiz, The Humane League
- Alastair Midgley, Make-A-Wish
- Allyson Henkel, Cure SMA
- Amy and Mike Blaisdell, The Humane League
- Andrew Bettis, American Cancer Society
- Cameron Otto, Children’s Tumor Foundation
- Andrew Jones, AID Atlanta
- Anna Plaza, Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation
- Anne Davis, Cure SMA
- Annette Mincer, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
- Barry Falcon, JDRF
- Benjamin Westlake, Miles for Miracles
- Bert Valenkamph, American Cancer Society
- Bonnie Prybus, The ALS Association Golden West Chapter
- Brande Belanger, The ALS Association Golden West Chapter
- Bret Parker, The Michael J. Fox Foundation
- Caren Gorenberg, Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation
- Cathy Barsotti, Cure SMA
- Cathy Whytehead, Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre
- Chad Schrack, Fight Colorectal Cancer
- Cheryl Sims, C.O.T.A.
- Claire O’Shea, Cystic Fibrosis Canada
- Cohn Family (Sydney, Mackenzie, Lea, Matthew, Norman, and Suzanne), JDRF
- Cory Freedman, POGO – The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario
- Daria Tavana, The Humane League
- Diane Cimilluca, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
- Diane Kellenburger, Organization for Autism Research
- Don Bell, B6 Foundation
- Elise Ragland, Church World Service
- Emily Hill, Canadian Cancer Society
- George Nummer, Susan G. Komen
- Gordon Beckham, Parkinson’s Foundation
- Harrison Guzman, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
- Heather Butterfiled, Lupus Foundation of America
- Howard Katz, American Diabetes Association
- Jarrod Russell, SickKids Foundation
- Jennie Elliott, The Humane League
- Jenny Ortega, The Humane League
- Jeremy Hough, Smile Train
- Jeremy Keckler, Choose a Challenge
- Jessy Siefken, The Humane League
- JJ Eizik, Chai Lifeline
- John Beuerlein, Alzheimer’s Association
- John Greenway, Marine Raider Foundation
- Jonathan Bresler, Kennedy Krieger Institute
- Jonathon Smith, The Humane League
- Josh Palau, St. Baldrick’s Foundation
- Juan Calle, American Kidney Fund
- Karen Morrison, Canadian Cancer Society
- Kathy DiRusso, Susan G. Komen
- Katie Ruekert, FSH Society
- Kayla Bakhski, Cottage Health
- Kelly Blumenthal, American Heart Association
- Kelly Howe, The ALS Association New Mexico Chapter
- Kiara Proctor, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
- Kinjal Shah, The Humane League
- Kramer Thompson, The Humane League
- Kristin McQueen, American Cancer Society
- Lana Johnson, Dragon Master Foundation
- Larry Optis, Jack.org
- Laura Holborow, John P Stevens High School
- Lauren Hammersley, St. Baldrick’s Foundation
- Lawson Pruett, The Humane League
- Lia Belardo, The Humane League
- Liz Chang, JDRF New England Chapter
- Liz Parkinson, Project AWARE Foundation
- Lucia Miranda, WWF-Canada
- Lynn Sutton, March of Dimes Canada
- Maegan Richard, Foundation for Prader-Willi Research
- Marc Blandin, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
- Marie Carter, Blake’s Miracle
- Marie Jarrell, Children’s Heart Foundation
- Marvin Green, Prism Health North Texas
- Mike Duerden, Open Arms Mission
- Missy Maag, JDRF
- Missy Sera, The Humane League
- Murat Deniz Ersen, ADIM ADIM
- Nalini Patel, Hydrocephalus Association
- Patricia Nyanchama Makori, Community Education Services (CES) Canada
- Patrick Sawhill, Muscular Dystrophy Association
- Rachael Brown, Cure SMA
- Ray Burke, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Richard Moser, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
- RJ Shook, Susan G. Komen
- Robert Merkley, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation
- Rodney C. Blyth, World Vision Canada
- Ruth Stilwell, Parkinson’s Foundation
- Samuel P. Moreau, Cystic Fibrosis Canada
- Sanford Siegel, M.D., ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer
- Scott Doney, Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter
- Sharon Hammer, American Cancer Society
- Sheryl Cowan, Susan G. Komen
- Silvia Murphy, Cure SMA
- Sophie Fernando, Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation
- Steve Fanthom, Cystic Fibrosis Canada
- Susan Sonley, Susan G. Komen
- Tambra Wilkerson, CSRA Parkinson Support Group
- Teri Strahine, OSUCCC
- Terry Hagio, The Humane League
- The Employees of Heifer International, Heifer International
- Tiffany Nmose, Adult and Child Mental Health
- Tim Welbaum, Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter
- Tommy Chou, LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation
Meet Our Previous Winners

2018: Chris McPhee

2017: Teri Griege

2016: Alexys Fleming

2015: Anthony Carbajal

2014: Dave Van der Linden

2013: Julie Weiss

2012: Sam Fox

2011: John Killian

2010: Jennifer Bechard

2009: Barbara Jo Kirshbaum

2018 Winner: Chris McPhee

Chris McPhee is the type of supporter nonprofits dream about.

The 42-year-old paramedic has personally raised $30,000 for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation through the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer. But the ride’s organizers say his work leading the Paramedics for the Cure ride team — an effort that has raised nearly $700,000 for the organization — is both inspiring and extraordinary. Read Chris McPhee’s story

2018 Honor Roll

We received a long list of outstanding volunteers who were nominated for the 2018 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. We recognize all of the nominees by listing them in our 2018 Honor Roll:
- Alan Thompson, Save the Children
- Andrew Smith, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
- Angela Rodriguez, LuMind RDS
- Brady C. Lucas, Four Diamonds
- Bruce Mainville, Baystate Health Foundation
- Cameron Otto, Children’s Tumor Foundation
- Carmen Phaneuf, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
- Carol Hagan, JDRF
- Chuck Wakefield, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
- Doreen Gonzales, AIDS Life Cycle
- Floyd Lampart, Best Friends Animal Society
- Gina Reardon, Share Our Strength No Kid Hungry
- Greg Smith, Organization for Autism Research
- Haley Stegall, Cottage Health
- Jaclyn Bondarenko, ZERO The End of Prostate Cancer
- Jan Bingeman, March of Dimes Canada
- Jarrod Russell, SickKids Foundation
- Jimmy Choi, The Michael J Fox Foundation
- John Lashar, JDRF New England Chapter
- Kate Rosenberg, John P Stevens High School
- Keith Ramon, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
- Kirstie Boyle, CARE Canada
- Laurel Sybilrud, It’s The Journey
- Lee Duguid, Ontario SPCA
- Marc Azeff, Irish Pub Childrens Foundation
- Marcel Neron, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation
- Marty Seaton, Alzheimer’s Association
- Matt Kelly, CureSearch for Children’s Cancer
- Mayro Kanning, Arthritis Foundation
- Mikaleh McCoy, NAMI
- Mike Farwell, Cystic Fibrosis Canada
- O’Hara Wilson Family, Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario
- Richard Kligler, St Baldrickâ s Foundation
- Sindy Hooper, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation
- Tony Sibio, Swim Across America
- William Bucklew, The Michael J Fox Foundation
2017 Winner: Teri Griege

Teri Griege was given just five years to live when she was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2009. Not only has she courageously battled her cancer, she has competed in endurance events around the world and has helped raise nearly $750,000 for the cancer charity Pedal the Cause. Read more about Teri’s extraordinary accomplishments.

2017 Honor Roll

Teri Griege was one of a long list of outstanding volunteers who were nominated for the 2017 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. We recognize all of the nominees by listing them in our 2017 Honor Roll:
- Eric Gelber, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
- Diane Burns, Spina Bifida Coalition of Cincinnati
- Matt Riley, Children’s Tumor Foundation
- Gilberto Soberanis, AIDS Foundation of Chicago
- Walt Stochel, Township of Edison
- Adrian McRae, Sustainable Philanthropy
- Karri Friedenberger, March of Dimes
- Don Bell, B6 Foundation
- Gerica Miller, B6 Foundation
- Nicholas Sagar, Project AWARE Foundation
- Brady Lucas, Four Diamonds
- Adrian Gonzalez, JDRF
- Linda Oliario, Better Community Housing of Trenton BCHT
- Gary Mendell, Shatterproof
- Judy Johanson, Alzheimer’s Association
- Carol Anne Taylor, Muscular Dystrophy Association
- Lorraine Dielin, RMHCNA
- Mr. Nehsan Selvaraj, Tamilan Media Dot Com &/ ARAM Foundation
- Bethany Skaff, Pelotonia
- Ignacio Torras, Organization for Autism Research
- Erin & Gino Cirelli, National Hemophilia Foundation
- James Brannock, CureSearch for Children’s Cancer
- Kathy Koontz, Pelotonia
- Jeffrey Bukantz, Maccabi USA / Sports for Israel
- Kelly Preston, RN, Smart Tuition
- Ted Schenk, Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Alberta
- Dianne Parker, Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Alberta
- Patrick Albers, Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Alberta
- Gil Baldwin, Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Alberta
- Anna Wehrfritz-Hanson, Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Alberta
- Daniel Morris, The Michael J. Fox Foundation
- Kim Everett, Platelet Disorder Support Association
- Kendra McCamey, Pelotonia
- Scott Collins, Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation
- Stephanie Vetere Sims, MD, CHoroideremia Research Foundation
- Ryan Levine, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
- Marg and Derry Wilford, Alzheimer Society
- Amy Rosenberg, Sunrise Association
- Dana Brayshaw, Hemophilia Federation of America
- Lincoln Wheelock, The International FOP Association
2016 Winner: Alexys Fleming

Alexys Fleming, a 23-year-old expert make-up artist living with type 1 diabetes, who taps into family, friends and a network of millions of YouTube followers to raise money for the American Diabetes Association, has been named the winner of the 2016 Cash, Sweat and Tears Award. Read more about Alexys’ extraordinary achievements

2016 Honor Roll

Alexys Fleming was one of a long list of outstanding volunteers who were nominated for the 2016 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. We recognize all of the nominees by listing them in our 2016 Honor Roll:
- - - Teri Griege, American Association for Cancer Research
    - Barb & Al Kelkhoff, Angelman Syndrome Foundation
    - Lisa Korslund, Be The Match Foundation
    - Paula and Buddy Owens , Best Friend Sanctuary
    - Stephanie Milton, Canadian Down Syndrome Society
    - Shelley Nadel, Celebrity Waiter
    - Matthew White, Covenant House
    - Amy McKelvey, CureSearch
    - Stacey Samit, Generosity NYC 5K Run/Walk
    - Suzanne Reisler Litwin, JDRF Canada
    - Lauren Stanford, JDRF New England Chapter
    - Michelle Bussiere, MDA USA
    - Heather Geronemus, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
    - Josh Argall, Muscular Dystrophy Association
    - Amy Degnan, Muscular Dystrophy Association
    - Jeremy Pivor, National Brain Tumor Society
    - Andrea Callaway, NephCure Kidney International
    - Rod Lauredo, Organization for Autism Research
    - Brian D’Apice, Pencils of Promise
    - Kira Kazantsev, Miss America 2015, Safe Horizon
    - Marc Needlman , Team CdLS
    - Drew Swiss, Team for Kids
    - Harriette Thompson, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
    - Jimmy Choi, The Michael J. Fox Foundation
    - Michael Westphal, The Michael J. Fox Foundation
    - Debbie Stein, The SPCA for Monterey County
    - Gavin Herman, URJ Camp George
    - Pablo Colon, Young Survival Coalition
2015 Winner: Anthony Carbajal

The 2015 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award honored Anthony Carbajal — the creator of a poignant Ice Bucket Challenge Video that has raised $3.8-million for The ALS Therapy Development Institute. Read more about Anthony’s extraordinary achievements

2015 Honor Roll

Anthony Carbajal was one of a long list of outstanding volunteers who were nominated for the 2015 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. We recognize all of the nominees by listing them in our 2015 Honor Roll:
- - - Rhonda Clark, Canine Companions for Independence
    - Parker O’Connor, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
    - Patrick Sawhill, Muscular Dystrophy Association
    - Larry Grogin, The Hole In the Wall Gang Camp
    - John Kellenyi, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
    - Christie Bath, Histiocytosis Association
    - Katie Rich, Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation
    - Phyllis Rogers, Hydrocephalus Association
    - Sarah Steiner, CureSearch
    - Disaury Diaz, St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore Head Start
    - Drew Swiss, New York Road Runners
    - David B. Fowler, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation
    - Edna Woods, The Michael J. Fox Foundation
    - Alan Arnette, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund
    - Lisa J. Frank, Young Survival Coalition
    - Diana Samples, Susan G. Komen Knoxville
    - Nancy Irizarry, Tell Every Amazing Lady About Ovarian Cancer
    - Alisa Kiskis Bartel, Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota
    - Susan Tavilla, National Brain Tumor Society
    - Betty Hitchcock, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John
    - Garret Lauer, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
    - Terry Lavin, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
    - Eric Gelber, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
    - Betty Holbrook, Eventage
    - Jeff Haertling, Be the Match
    - Lisa Korslund, Be the Match
    - Patricia Fox, Susan G. Komen for the Cure
    - Skip Slade, Chron’s and Colitis Foundation
    - Deb Lawton, Susan G. Komen for the Cure
    - Maxine McCarthy, Susan G. Komen for the Cure
    - Susan Lichtman, Maine Cancer Foundation
    - Moira McCarthy Stanford, JDRF New England Chapter
    - Jason Smith, JDRF
    - Angela Madsen, Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games
    - Emily Gornick, everydayhero
    - Molly Oliver, American Brain Tumor Association
    - Bruce Cleland, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
    - Molly Waugh, Alzheimer’s Association
    - Fran Tsimoyianis, Lupus Foundation of America
    - Jeff Rayburn, Organization for Autism Research
    - Carolanne Owenby, Children’s Tumor Foundation
    - Terry Owens, Children’s Tumor Foundation
    - Tara Rogers, Children’s Tumor Foundation
    - Shaun Beraldi, The Jimmy Fund
    - Janet Freeman-Daily, American Lung Association
    - Lindsey Norse, Cupid’s Undie Run
    - Tom Muselman, American Lung Association
    - Rob Davis, National Kidney Foundation
2014 Winner: Dave Van der Linden

The 2014 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award winner, Dave Van der Linden, has been a dedicated Walk MS participant since 2000. Motivated to do something following his mother’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS), Van der Linden took part in his first Walk MS event in 2000. Over the course of the last 13 years, Van der Linden has raised nearly $700,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and recently completed his first road race, the ING New York City Marathon.

Born in Belgium, Van der Linden moved to the United States nearly 20 years ago. His mother was diagnosed with MS in 1985 at the age of 41, but struggled with symptoms long before the diagnosis. The disease accelerated quite a bit and she became wheelchair bound full time in 1998. She passed away in 2013.

Van der Linden became really involved with The Society because of his mother’s struggles, saying that “… even though my proceeds wouldn’t benefit her directly, I wanted to support the cause globally for people who are in the same shape or worse than she was here in New York.”

2014 Honor Roll

Outstanding volunteers were nominated for the 2014 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. Their dedication and achievements made selecting a winner very challenging. We recognize all of the nominees by listing them in our 2014 Honor Roll:
- - - Jessica Lawrence, Alliance for a Healthier Generation
    - Tracy Rosenstiehl, American Cancer Society
    - Tonya Hill, American Lung Association
    - Colleen Ryan, Arthritis Foundation
    - Rob Newbold, Autism Speaks
    - Lisa Korslund, Be The Match
    - Cassandra Clifford, Bridge to Freedom Foundation
    - Linda Keller, Children’s Tumor Foundation
    - Ryan Wachter, Children’s Tumor Foundation
    - Paul Chan, Church World Service
    - Janie Schilde, Church World Service
    - Andrew Hudon, Michael Tabtabai, Colon Cancer Awareness
    - Antonie Kline, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) Foundation
    - Kimberly Morris Karp, CureSearch
    - Deanna Foust, Fisher House Foundation
    - Jessica Leonard, Girls on the Run International
    - Kelly Lam, JDRF
    - Jeff Cartwright, Keith Bao & Victoria Mui, JDRF
    - Keri Scarff, Kent Parks Foundation
    - Jeff Mulder, LIVESTRONG Foundation
    - Tom Catterson, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Elizabeth Giardina, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - David Greenstein, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Adam Hartzler, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Ashley Kumlien, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Rondi Loganzo, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Sean Murdoch, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Liliane Haub, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Eric Kaplan, National Parkinson Foundation
    - Joan Simon, PKD Foundation
    - Short Family, PKD Foundation
    - Richard Ashear, Team Just One Life
    - Winter Vinecki, Team Winter
    - Lynn McCarthy, Fred Brooke, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
    - Steve Geist, TREE Fund
    - Steve Cooper, ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer
2013 Winner: Julie Weiss

Julie Weiss was devastated by the loss of her father in 2010 to pancreatic cancer. Determined to honor her father and combat the disease that took his life, she set herself an audacious goal: Run 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise money and awareness for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Starting with the Rome Marathon in 2012, Julie traveled the United States and Canada running a marathon every weekend. Between 26.2 mile efforts, she solicited donations and generated publicity for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – all while holding a full time job. In addition to memorializing her beloved father, Julie used each marathon to honor people afflicted with pancreatic cancer. To date, her fundraising exceeds $143,000.

Jenny Isaacson, vice president of community engagement for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, nominated Julie for the Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. “Julie is truly an inspiration to all those involved in the fight against pancreatic cancer,” she wrote. “Her dedication and passion in honor of her father and all those touched by this devastating disease is remarkable.”

Learn more about Julie’s amazing journey by visiting her blog www.marathongoddess.com

To see more about Julie’s achievement, watch this video from the Cash, Sweat & Tears Award dinner.

2013 Honor Roll

Outstanding volunteers were nominated for the 2013 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. Their dedication and achievements made selecting a winner very challenging. We recognize all of the nominees by listing them in our 2013 Honor Roll:
- - - Jay Scott, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
    - Matt Hard, American Heart Association
    - Stephen Lindbeck, American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific
    - Ken Froese, CES Canada
    - Dr. Bryon Solberg, Challenged Athletes Foundation
    - Rebecca Harris, Covenant House
    - Drew Edwards, CureSearch for Children’s Cancer’s Ultimate Hike
    - Amy Moss, Susan G. Komen 3-Day Events
    - Dylan Bouterse, Event Susan G. Komen 3-Day Events
    - Sandra Chiesa, Event Susan G. Komen 3-Day Events
    - Kathy Giller, Event 360
    - Denise Navarro, Exchange Club
    - Steve Berube, JDRF New England Chapter
    - Jill Miller, Living Beyond Breast Cancer
    - Eric Gelber, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
    - Augie Nieto, Muscular Dystrophy Association – Augie’s Quest
    - Leah Wilson, National MS Society
    - Steven Radoslovich, National MS Society, NYC – Southern NY Chapter
    - Drew Swiss, NYRR Team for Kids
    - Marilyn Seifert, Parkinson Alberta Society
    - Matt Hardt, American Heart Association’s Heart Walk
    - Steve Donboch, PKD Foundation, Run for PKD
    - Cindy Leder, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
    - Teddy Greene, TEAM TO END AIDS/AIDS Foundation of Chicago
    - Russell K. Miller, Polar Plunge
    - Amanda Thompson Jordan, Uniting Against Lung Cancer
    - Suzanne Osborn, Young Survival Coalition
2012 Winner: Sam Fox

From August 25 to October 25, 2011, Sam Fox stretched his physical and mental endurance to the max by running and hiking 2,400 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Pacific Coast Trail in honor of his mother Lucy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2000.

In the process, Sam raised over $170,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research through his Run While You Can foundation. Along the way, Sam, a Yale University graduate, built an online community of passionate supporters and was the subject of a documentary film.

As Miranda Lanzillotti of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research put it in her nomination submission, “Sam is an inspiration and unique individual who put his mind and body forward for the social good to make a difference.”

You can learn more about Sam’s achievements including a video that ran on the NBC Nightly News by visiting www.runwhileyoucan.org

2012 Honor Roll

Outstanding volunteers were nominated for the 2012 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. Their dedication and achievements made selecting a winner very challenging. We recognize all of the nominees by listing them in our 2012 Honor Roll:
- - - Lance, AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run
    - Ed Schober, American Cancer Society
    - Jamie Baker, American Diabetes Association
    - Mari Ruddy, American Diabetes Association
    - Rebecca Babb, Autism Speaks
    - Thomas B. Coles, M.D., Behavior Research Foundation
    - Dan Green, CASANA
    - Kelli Sargent, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    - Angela Lombardo, Children’s Hospital Boston
    - William Ward & Family, Children’s Hospital Boston
    - Tom Campbell, Children’s Hospital Boston
    - Barbie Carillo, City of Hope
    - Kurt Ward, East Atlanta Kids Club
    - Darren Fortney, Gilda’s Club Madison
    - Brian MacCallum, JDRF
    - Mary Brown, JDRF
    - Andrew Thieman, LIVESTRONG
    - Wendy Keem, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter
    - Raymond Burke, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
    - Daniel Padilla, Organization for Autism Research
    - Jake Marcus, Team Challenge/Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
    - Matt Wilbur, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
    - Michael Kelly, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
    - Warren Hoselton, The TREE Fund
2011 Winner: John Killian

Just a few years ago, John Killian knew virtually nothing about Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Then his infant son Sam was diagnosed with the disease and John becamse one of the most active members of the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, an organization of which he is now chairman of the board.

Especially dear to John has been Run For Our Sons, PPMD’s endurance fundraising program. John was not an avid runner when Sam was diagnosed, but upon learning about Run For Our Sons, he immediately began to train and has participated in dozens of marathons to raise funds.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars later, John is the greatest single fundraiser in the Run For Our Sons program. And now the rest of his family is participating too. His two older kids are finally old enough to participate in the half marathons at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, where they have been watching from the sidelines for years.

On Father’s Day of 2010, John was critically injured in a fatal car crash on his way to train for the ING New York City marathon – his personal favorite of all the marathons. He continues to heal from this horrific accident that crushed most of the bones in one of his legs. Just weeks after the accident though, John flew to California to cheer on PPMD’s Disney Marathon team. He later flew to NYC to cheer on the Run For Our Sons team there. He is determined to get back in his running shoes to support PPMD.

2011 Honor Roll

Outstanding volunteers were nominated for the 2011 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. Their dedication and achievements made selecting a winner very challenging. We recognize all of the nominees by listing them in our 2011 Honor Roll:
- - - Lance Safford, AID Atlanta
    - Stacy Matseas, American Cancer Society
    - Nick Giordano, Jr., American Liver Foundation
    - Timothy Sathre, ARC
    - Mireya Kilmon, Arthritis Fdn, Florida Chapter
    - Gini Bowling, Beit T’Shuvah
    - Rachel Weissler, Bike Florida, Inc.
    - Robert E. Skold, Jr., Children’s Tumor Foundation
    - Dr. Paul Chan, Church World Service
    - Bridget Spence, Event 360
    - Lorne Shiff, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
    - Mary Brown, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
    - Michele Wilkinson, Madison Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
    - Kyle Croft, March of Dimes
    - Amanda Brannan, Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
    - Jane Chambers, National MS Society – Central Virginia Chapter
    - Leo Katsetos, National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter
    - Aaron Hawkins, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Craig Washka, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Michael Weiss, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Debra Kulig, National MS Society, South Florida Chapter
    - Robin Kettlewell, North Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
    - Jose Rivera, Organization for Autism Research
    - Jodi Whitmore, Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure
    - Mark Longfellow, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Orange County Affiliate
    - Greg Barbutti, Texas Mamma Jamma Ride
    - Charlotte Hale, Texas Mamma Jamma Ride
    - Traci Engelman, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Steve Clayton, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Debra Acosta, The San Antonio Aff of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
    - Lilla Wirtanen-Debenedet
2010 Winner: Jennifer Bechard

Whether she is lying in a hospital bed or crossing a finish line, 22-year-old Jennifer Bechard doesn’t let hydrocephalus stop her from acting on her passion: supporting the Hydrocephalus Association’s series of fundraising walks.

Her exemplary commitment earned Bechard the 2010 Cash, Sweat and Tears Award, an honor presented each year by the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council to an inspiring volunteer who goes above and beyond in “thon fundraising.”

“You would never know by her attitude and determination that (Bechard) has hydrocephalus, a chronic neurological condition consisting of an abnormal accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid in the brain,” HA Regional Program Manager Sarah Oxford wrote in her nomination.

Bechard, a Northville, MI resident, has led three Hyrocephalus WALKs in her home state, leads a support group there and voluntarily designs WALK websites for chapters across the country, often from her hospital bed. (Over the years, Bechard has undergone more than 80 brain surgeries.)

“The ranks of “thon” fundraisers are rich with stories of people who dig deep within themselves to support critical causes,” said Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council President David Hessekiel. “Jennifer Bechard’s dedication of time, energy and spirit inspires us all.”

“Through my hospital stays and surgeries, the walk has been one of the positive factors that kept me motivated,” said Bechard. “A cloud of people in white t-shirts crossing the finish line is just one of the images I replay in my head every time I am headed back to surgery. Even in the midst of the most trying times with hydrocephalus, I have a reason to be thankful, because I am helping to end the difficulties and struggles that come with this condition.”

2010 Honor Roll:

Sixty outstanding volunteers were nominated for the 2010 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. Their dedication and achievements made selecting a winner very challenging. We recognize all of the nominees by listing them in our 2010 Honor Roll:
- - - Alissa Schor, Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter
    - Lynne Ferrell, LTCG, Alzheimer’s Association, Minnesota/North Dakota
    - David Pittman, American Cancer Society
    - Mark Fischer, American Diabetes Association
    - Isaac Sutton, American Friends of ALYN Hospital
    - Emil Knopf, American Heart Association
    - Kim Racine, American Heart Association
    - Shelly Church, American Heart Association
    - Suzanne Suarez, American Heart Association
    - David Collins, American Heart Association
    - Veena Kumar, American Heart Association
    - Charleen White, American Heart Association
    - Al Carey, American Heart Association
    - Valarie Nosenzo, American Heart Association
    - Jack Lynch, American Heart Association
    - Edmund Ludwig, American Heart Association, Founders Affiliate
    - Shirley Stoll, American Heart Association, Greater Southeast Affiliate
    - Craig McKenzie, American Heart Association, Mid Atlantic Affiliate
    - Alan Jesiel, American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate
    - Jim Postl, American Heart Association, South Central Affiliate
    - Scott McClelland, American Heart Association, South Central Affiliate
    - Rusty Wallace, American Heart Association, South Central Affiliate
    - Dorene Dodd, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
    - Kevin Williams, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
    - Robin Cutter, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
    - Mycle Brandy, American Heart Association-OC Start! Training
    - David Shuey, Arthritis Foundation
    - Trisha Buerge, Autism Speaks
    - Brent Ross, Bay Area Wilderness Training
    - Ken Froese, CES Canada
    - Henry Jones, Church World Service
    - Brandon Straughan, Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation
    - John Guthrie, Community Education Services Canada
    - Jim Bodine, Delaware Valley Chapter/Alzheimer’s Association
    - Mike Zeller, Fetal Hope Foundation
    - John Corneille, Foundation Fighting Blindness
    - Paul Gray, Gilda’s Club Seattle
    - Catherine DuBay, Girls on the Run
    - Cheryl Monaco, Hampton Roads Community Care
    - Joseph Renaghan, Homes for Our Troops
    - Lauren Alford, ING
    - Brett Blankner, Ironbaby for March of Dimes
    - Jere Carpentier, LIVESTRONG
    - Jim Frederick, Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS
    - David Costa, Lorenzen Cancer Foundation
    - Joy Heinsohn, Miles for Cystic Fibrosis
    - Sgt. Samantha J. Allen, National Down Syndrome Society
    - Jeff Hendricks, National MS Society
    - Kevin O’Sullivan, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    - Jim Soter, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter
    - Joe Fairchild, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter
    - Wilson Chua, Organization for Autism Research
    - Aimee Jungman, run for her®
    - Paula Colorosa, Second Wind Fund of Metro Denver
    - Matt Wilbur, The Michael J. Fox Fdn’s Grassroots Community Fundraising
    - Raymond Burke, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
    - Michael Lade, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
    - Denise Hulsey, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter
    - Melissa Shoemake, Virginia Assoc. of Nurse Anesthetist (CRNAS RCOK)
    - Mark Wagner, World Vision
2009 Winner: Barbara Jo Kirshbaum

Barbara Jo Kirshbaum was nominated for this award by Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Program Director Eloise Caggiano. In her testimonial, Caggiano explained:

“Barbara Jo Kirshbaum has been walking for breast cancer since 1998. And since 2002, she has participated in every Avon Walk for Breast Cancer nationwide each year. This past year she reached two amazing milestones, she completed her 100th walk for breast cancer and not only reached – but exceeded! — her astonishing fund-raising goal of $1 million dollars! That’s one woman – one cause – more than one million dollars!

“Barbara Jo is a true inspiration. She has a warm smile and a friendly hug for everyone at the Avon Walks and her tireless efforts prove that anything is possible! She has walked more than 5,000 miles for the breast cancer cause, and at a spry 70 years old, Barbara Jo has already signed on for all nine Avon Walks in 2009! She keeps going and going – there’s no telling what she’ll achieve next year!”

Asked about her accomplishments, Barbara Jo said she had many more miles to walk and dollars to raise:

“Many people have asked me if I am continuing to walk and fundraise, since I reached such big goals in 2008. My answer is ‘yes’, I am continuing because breast cancer is still being diagnosed every 3 minutes. Actually my goals for 2009 are the same as in 1998 when I started at 60 yrs. old. It is about challenging my body and raising as much as I can in the fight against breast cancer. I walk because I can’t walk away!”

Learn more about Barbara Jo’s inspiring story — and support her fundraising — by visiting www.bjkcounselor.com

2009 Honor Roll

Thirty-seven outstanding volunteers were nominated for the 2009 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. Their dedication and achievements made selecting a winner very challenging. We recognize all of the nominees by listing them in our 2009 Honor Roll:
- - - Greg, Hill Country Ride for AIDA
    - Heather Barone, American Lung Assoc
    - Steve Bartolucci, Lance Armstrong Fdn
    - David Bechhofer, Avon
    - Chris Beers, Kids in Crisis
    - Maria Bellumori, American Lung Assoc
    - Gina Bellumori, American Lung Assoc
    - Bruce Bokish, National MS Society
    - Bill Burnett, Juvenile Diabetes Research Fdn
    - Tom Corbett, National MS Society
    - Bob Dier, LeRoy Haynes Center for Children
    - Rita Fischer, AIDS Walk New York
    - Elliot Ganz, American Friends of ALYN Hospital
    - Emily Greenberger, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network’s
    - Charlotte Hale, Hill Country Ride for AIDA
    - Jason Heetland, ALS Assoc
    - Lauren Heller, Susan G. Komen for the Cure
    - Carolyn Hill-Morris, PKD Fdn
    - Syd Jones, Big City Mountaineers
    - Diane Kawer, National MS Society
    - John Kellenyi, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
    - Alyssa Krafsur, National Psoriasis
    - Kathy Lubbers, Arthritis Foundation
    - Carolyn Morrision, Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne
    - Jennifer Morrison, Organization for Autism Research
    - Vivian Parisi, Breast Cancer Network of Strength
    - Tracy Perry, The Children’s Hospital Foundation
    - Sheila Rollings, American Lung Assoc
    - Michael Russo, Homes for Our Troops
    - Steven Sams, AIDS Walk in San Francisco
    - Lynn Smythe, Step By Step Fundraising
    - Eric Song, Toronto City Mission
    - Kevin Stenstrom, Melanoma Research Fdn
    - Brianna Vivian, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America
    - Jessica Wright, Alzheimer’s Association
    - April Yamaichi, Bay Area Wilderness Training
Click here to return to the Cash, Sweat & Tears Award main page