Fall fundraisers fuel groundbreaking brain tumor research
Join 'Walk Ahead for Brain Tumor Discoveries' supporting research and care
Event Information
When Hannah and Eric Hengehold’s father, Brad, was diagnosed with a stage four glioblastoma in February 2023, their world was shaken. But in the wake of his passing just two months later, a goal emerged as a mission to fight back.
'Brad to the Bone' foundation is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization created in 2023 to honor the life and legacy of Brad Hengehold (pictured). Their mission raises awareness and funding to organizations like UC's Gardner Neuroscience Institute for the study and development of treatment programs for brain tumors, with an emphasis on glioblastoma. Photo/provided
The result: “Brad to the Bone,” was born — a brain tumor research fundraising organization for the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
Now, as the organization gears up for its “Cheers for Charity” event on Wednesday, Sept. 18, held at West Side Brewing, the family also prepares for a significant October event — the annual “Walk Ahead for Brain Tumor Discoveries” on Sunday, Oct. 13.
“Brad to the Bone” has become a central force in raising funds and awareness for glioblastoma, an aggressive and under-researched brain cancer.
The Sept. 18 event, coinciding with what would have been Brad Hengehold’s birthday, is one of many ways the family honors his legacy and fights for a cure.
“We chose UC for our donations because while my dad was still alive, UC had posted news about a clinical trial for glioblastoma patients at the Garner Neuroscience Institute, so I called,” Brad’s daughter Hannah Hengehold recalls.” My dad was ultimately not a candidate because his condition was progressing too rapidly, but it impacted us so strongly how UC is actively doing such wonderful research right in our backyard.
“We ultimately chose to donate our funds to the neuroscience institute because of their aggressive efforts with brain tumor clinical trials and research.”
Funding via old fuel
ABOVE: Brad Hengehold's brother Brian with sons Levi and Isaac sit on a 1960s Plymouth (on left) while his parents Diana and Steve Hengehold showing off a 1930s vintage Plymouth (on right), enjoy the first 'Gear'n up for glioblastoma' classic car show fundraising event in May, 2023. Photo/provided
The Hengehold family is no stranger to success in their fundraising efforts. In May 2023, they organized their first classic car show, attracting nearly 90 vehicles and raising $27,000, which they donated to UC's Gardner Neuroscience Institute for glioblastoma research. The total donation reached $32,000, thanks to additional contributions, after which the family presented the funds in a special ceremony with the neuroscience institute's research team.
“We were amazed by the turnout to our first event,” Hannah recalls. “Families, patients and caregivers affected by glioblastoma — it was an emotional but uplifting experience.
“One family told me it was the first time they felt like they had a community that understood.”
Glioblastoma, while less common than other cancers, presents an overwhelming challenge: it is incurable, its cause is unknown, and it receives far less research funding than breast or lung cancer. Through “Brad to the Bone,” the Hengehold family is determined to change that.
“We want to make even a small difference,” Hannah explains. “It’s about raising awareness and pushing for more research funding.”
A higher mission
Brad Hengehold's zest for life inspired so many, including his family's 'Brad to the Bone' fundraising foundation for glioblastoma research. Photo/provided
When Brad was first diagnosed, he said, “I think this means I have another mission to fulfill.”
“As much as he wanted to stay here with our family, his new diagnosis made him feel like he was being called to fulfill a new purpose,” Hannah says. “So that statement and knowing that he was not scared and was at peace with his condition has really carried us during our healing.”
The upcoming “Walk Ahead for Brain Tumor Discoveries” on Oct. 13 is another opportunity for the family to rally support. Last year, they participated in the walk for the first time, and this year, they’re returning with renewed energy and a growing community of supporters.
“We don’t want my dad’s name to be forgotten,” Hannah says. “He was so full of life and laughter. Through this work, we’re continuing his mission, raising awareness and funds for research and hoping to make an impact that lasts.”
For the Hengeholds, this is just the beginning. With events like “Cheers for Charity,” the “Walk Ahead” and next May’s “Gear’n Up for Glioblastoma” classic car show fueling their passion, they plan to keep Brad’s legacy alive through their fight against brain cancer — one step, and one fundraiser at a time.
UC cancer biology professor David Plas on left and UC neurosurgeon Jonathan Forbes on right stand with Hannah Hengehold, second from left, and her family members as they present their check for $32,000, raised from 'Brad to the Bone' fundraising events, to UC's Gardner Neuroscience Institute for glioblastoma research. Photo/provided
Ongoing brain tumor center success
- New neurotherapeutics NIH IGNITE Program with over $700,000 in research
- New NIH grant to investigate blood brain barrier in gliomas with over $1.3 million in research
- 24 publications investigating brain tumor biology and pre-clinical therapy advancement
- Development of new methods to characterize nucleotide synthesis in glioblastoma
Start or join a fundraising team or register as an individual for Walk Ahead for brain tumor discoveries. You can also attend Cheers for Charity.
Don't miss this chance to make a difference and be part of the solution in the fight against brain tumors.
Featured image at top: Brad Hengehold's family members stand around the 'Brad to the Bone' fundraising sign at their 'Gear'n up for gliblastoma' classic car charity event in May, 2023. Photo/provided
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