I'm honored to share another 24-hours climbing the “the Rocky steps” with some amazing, dedicated—and kinda crazy—people to raise emergency support funds for cancer patients in Philly. The event is Legacy of Hope’s PHL24, presented by the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health. 

This is my second year as a 24-hour-athlete and [unfortunately] this year it's personal. In June, I lost my brother, Keith, to liver cancer; so I’m climbing to honor his memory with the goal hitting 60 miles. (I logged 56.25 miles last year). 

With one PHL24 under my belt, I know how deep I need to dig to keep climbing for the full 24 hours and beat last year’s numbers. This event is no joke; it's brutal, grueling and sweaty. But it's equally beautiful, celebratory and life affirming; and I'm ready rock. I’ve been training to help keep the odds in my favor. I’ve climbed more than 30,000 feet, logging 80 miles on the steps—through the dog days of July and the stifling humidity of August. My training is done and it's go time. But I need your help.

Challenging my mind and body to climb for 24 hours is only part of the equation, the other part comes from you. Many of you donated generously to my fundraiser last year; and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I humbly ask you to donate whatever amount you can to this amazing cause. 

Also, please share this link with friends and family, especially if they've been affected by cancer. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that Legacy of Hope's Emergency Patient Support Network makes in the lives of Philadelphia families struggling with cancer. It's an incredible agency, but we need your help to keep it going. 

I'm ready to throw down come September 10th at 9am. Thanks in advance for your support. (Special thanks to Urban Saloon for sponsoring me as a 24-hour athlete this year.) 

More about Legacy of Hope

Legacy of Hope is a 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit based in Philadelphia; created as a system platform to address the most critical needs of cancer patients and their families, and expedite new therapies and cures. 

Often described as the Emergency Medicine of patient support, Legacy of Hope steps in when cancer patients and families have exhausted all other resources, and no longer have the capacity to provide themselves with basic necessities. Creating the first platform in Philadelphia to address critical needs in the oncology population, social workers and oncology teams from every hospital and cancer center in the city can place emergency support referrals via the Emergency Patient Support Network. This growing network of partnerships with hospitals, grocery stores, schools, construction companies, Philadelphia Police Department, and local businesses then provide emergency patient support; with a response time less than 24 hours in the most critical cases.  

About PHL24 2022

Last year, because of your generosity, PHL24 raised over $130K to support Philadelphia cancer patients, and their families, who are experiencing housing or food insecurity because of their diagnosis. This year, our goal of $150K will provide healthy groceries to every cancer patient and family member in Philadelphia facing hunger in 2023. For perspective, this represents ~ 4,589 cancer patients and family members and ~ 79,800 healthy meals.