Huntsman Heroes is a group of dedicated people who run, bike, hike, ski, and snowboard toward a common philanthropic and physical goal. Huntsman Heroes agree to raise a minimum donation amount to support cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute. In return, they receive a guaranteed spot in some of the best sporting events in Utah and beyond and make friendships that last a lifetime.
Eunice Chen
"The people at Huntsman Cancer Institute were there for me when I needed them. They provide the best medical care you could ask for as a cancer patient. They think outside the box and go beyond the call of duty," says Eunice Chen. "I learned about Huntsman Heroes nearly a decade ago when I was a cancer patient. I found I could give back and contribute to the organization that gave to me by helping raise money for cancer research."
Eunice reaches her fundraising goals by cooking healthy Asian food for people in exchange for a specific donation amount. In 2019, she raised more than $5,000. Eunice participates on the Huntsman Heroes Salt Lake City Marathon team as well as with the Huntsman Sports Festival. Since her involvement began in 2010, she has raised nearly $30,000 to support cancer research.
Team De
Pink Park City is a ski day to conquer all cancers. This Huntsman Cancer Foundation event at Park City Mountain Resort brings together skiers and snowboarders to raise money for cancer research while enjoying time on the slopes.
Jayne Hawe, founder of Team De, knows cancer’s impact firsthand. A cancer survivor herself, Jayne and several friends formed Team De in 2019 to honor her sister, Diane "De" Redington, whom she lost to cancer. They raised more than $4,000, and plan to raise $5,000 in 2020. While Team De dedicates their fundraising efforts to women’s cancer research, participants are welcome to designate funds to all types of cancer.
Ashley and Neil Hafer
Ashley Hafer began her relationship with Huntsman Cancer Foundation nearly 10 years ago, raising money for cancer research by running in endurance events as part of the Huntsman Heroes team. In 2019, she and her husband, Neil, pledged $1 million to the Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women’s Cancers at Huntsman Cancer Institute, a 220,000-square foot, eight-story hospital expansion currently underway.
"If one cancer case is diagnosed earlier, one treatment more tolerable, one radiation session less damaging through this donation, then we have made a difference," the Hafers say. "We have trust in Huntsman Cancer Foundation that this is an investment worth making."
Huntsman Heroes in 2019
