2022 Bold for Blue Awards

Through Run/Walks, Grow & Give, DIY events and individual fundraising efforts – so many amazing champions and businesses have raised money for ZERO and our joint mission to end prostate cancer. 

Sandy Maxey

Sandy Maxey is a longtime CHAMPION of ZERO. From Run/Walks to Giving Tuesday, Sandy is always willing to share her story. In 2020 and 2021, she and the law firm where she works – Harrity & Harrity LLP – have led Champion Triple Match days to raise thousands for men battling prostate cancer. Their most recent campaign raised over $125,000. Sandy does it all in honor of her dad, who died of prostate cancer in 1993.

Bill Miller

Bill Miller was diagnosed with prostate cancer on his birthday in 2015. Following his initial treatment, he decided to take action. He started off by joining ZERO’s Run/Walk in Des Moines. After a few years, he convinced a group of guys to try a golf outing. Four years later, the Des Moines Tee-Off continues to grow, with the 2021 event hosting 144 golfers and raising more than $38K.

Susie Schlernitzauer

Team “This One’s for Terry”, led by Susie Schlernitzauer, is one of the largest teams of our South Florida Run/Walk. After her brother Terry’s diagnosis, Susie promised him she’d do everything she could to fight the disease. In 2021, Susie raised over $26,000. She’s also been active on ZERO’s Patient & Caregiver Advisory Board, our annual Summit and Tee Off. Recently Susie recruited her nephew’s police department to participate in ZERO’s Grow & Give.

Karen Jauregui

Karen Jauregui became involved with ZERO after losing her husband Peter to prostate cancer in 2017. Her team “Soaring Eagle” participates in ZERO’s Boston Run/Walk and has been a top fundraiser since 2019. Karen started attending ZERO’s Summit in 2020 and in November of that same year, was elected to ZERO’s Board of Directors. In 2021, Karen and her team raised over $25,000. 

The Forsburg 40

The Forsburg 40 continues to be ZERO’s largest Run/Walk team. In 2020 they had over 400 members take part in the Harrisburg event. In 2021 they had over 350 members on their Team. Eliza and Finleigh (grandchildren of Team Captain Pat Forsburg) helped raise over $18,000 in 2021.  Pat, who’s a prostate cancer survivor, gives all recognition to his grandchildren who’ve been the key to his fundraising success.

Team Nikituk

Team Nikituk is rockin’ it again! For over 15 years, in honor of Paul Nikituk, daughters Meghan and Tara, alongside their mom Cheryl, have been fighting and fundraising since the passing of their father and husband. They’ve been with ZERO since our first Capital Area Run/Walk. In 2021, these ZERO Champions raised nearly $16,000.

Jack Porter

For the second year, Jack Porter, captain of Team Papa Hat, has been the top fundraiser for the Chicago SEA Blue Run/Walk, bringing in over $13,000. Jack took over the reins as captain from his Nana, Myrna Porter who was one of the original founders of the SEA Blue event. Team Papa Hat has walked over 17 years in remembrance of Jack’s grandfather and Myrna’s husband, Stuart Porter who died of prostate cancer.

Ryan & Anna Pessah

Ryan & Anna Pessah decided more needed to be done in their Sacramento community when it comes to prostate cancer education and support. Together they organized Hops & Handlebars, inspired by Ryan’s memories of growing mustaches with his dad, along with Anna’s love of great beer. In 2021, they raised over $13,000. You may recognize Ryan as one of their year’s Impact Award winners.

Team Angus

Team Angus is led by Mark Hagenbuch, a stage IV Prostate cancer Survivor, and champion. Since 2016, Mark and his team have been one of our top fundraisers for Harrisburg’s Run/Walk, and in 2021 they raised over $12,000. Mark continues to work alongside ZERO, fighting for more treatments for advanced prostate cancer, because as he shares, it’s what’s keeping him alive.

Robert Ferrari

Robert Ferrari was once quoted  “There’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to make you rearrange your priorities” after completing his 4-thousand mile, cross-country bike trip to raise awareness and funds for ZERO. Robert was diagnosed and treated in 2020. While cycling from Washington State to Maine, he kept the ZERO community updated and even overcame COVID – in all, raising $12,000.

Sue & Nancy

Sue and Nancy started Ripple Run back in 2018 in memory of their friend Andrew Zweig who passed away from prostate cancer. Even during the pandemic, they encouraged their Rockland County community to join virtually and raised over $12,000. To date, they have raised over $160,000! 

Dan Perkins

Dan Perkins, a member of ZERO’s Board of Directors, has been connected with the cause since 2011 when three of his friends were all diagnosed with prostate cancer. Year after year, Dan has been a top fundraiser and has raised thousands of dollars for ZERO through creative fundraising. In 2021 Dan raised almost $12,000.

Catherine Hawley

Catherine Hawley lost her father to prostate cancer, and both her grandfathers battled the disease. In 2015, Catherine and her siblings started Team Chemosabes to show their dad just how much love and support was behind him in his fight. He passed away before the first event, but Catherine and her family continue to run and walk in his memory every year. 2021 was a record setter for Team Chemosabes, raising over $11,000 total.

Michael Bachmann

Michael Bachmann was diagnosed with prostate cancer shortly after his 50th birthday. The following year, he was introduced to ZERO and formed Team Bach Around The Clock. The team has participated in our Chicago Run/Walk ever since,  ranked in the top three every year and in 2021 they raised over $11,000!  

Darik Pearson

At 48, Darik Pearson was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer.  

This husband and father of two set up a Facebook birthday fundraiser and raised over $11,000 – setting a record amount raised by a Facebook birthday fundraiser at ZERO!