Foundation plans event at Arrington Vineyards
Brentwood Home Page news reports
The Hoover Hope Foundation, a non-profit fundraising organization, is hosting the Hope on the Hill event at Arrington Vineyards on Tuesday, September 14 from 6-9 p.m.   The event’s purpose is to raise funds for families affected by pediatric cancer and to raise awareness of this catastrophic disease. 

More than 12,500 children are diagnosed each year with cancer.  The financial burden can be significant for families.  Although medical insurance covers much of the treatment, there are financial needs that are not covered by conventional insurance. 

Michelle Hoover, the mother of Liam, who lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 12 explains the necessity for helping families with “unrecognized” needs. 

“We were very fortunate in that we had a community of friends and neighbors that were a tremendous help to our family.  Many families traveling to Nashville or Memphis for treatment plans do not have the luxury of being surrounded by a community they know,” explains Hoover.  Hoover says the treatment plan is usually quite extensive and lengthy.  This requires parent care around the clock, which means if both parents work, someone has to give up their job.  This loss of income can be quite burdensome. 

“We started our foundation as a way to give back to families and support the two hospitals that provided such incredible care to our son,”  said Hoover.

The Hoover Hope Foundation has hosted a 5K run the last five years, raising over $160,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Our foundation recently established an endowment at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to assist families with the unrecognized needs that come with the diagnosis of cancer.  The foundation is developing additional events, including the “Hope on the Hill.” 

Michelle explains that this venue was chosen for the scenic views of Williamson County and the atmosphere it provides. 

“We want people to have a night to come out and enjoy award-winning wines, great food, music, and the breathtaking views,” said Hoover. 

Tickets are $100 and available online at www.hooverhope.org. 

September just happens to be Pediatric Cancer Awareness month and the five year anniversary of Liam’s journey to heaven after a courageous battle with this disease.  The Hoovers mentioned that this foundation is a way to honor their son and provide hope for families that are in the midst of cancer treatment. 

“My dream is to never have a mother hear the words, ‘your son has cancer.’  We must continue to wage war on this disease that impacts the entire family.  Pediatric cancer receives less than 3% of funding from the National Cancer Institute,” explained Hoover.  “Many treatment protocols were developed for adult patients.  Although cure rates for many pediatric cancers have improved over the last 20 years, we still have so much work to do for these precious children.” 

The Hoover Hope Foundation is excited to see the results of this new event and will host the 6th annual Hoover Run for Hope on November 6th, 2010. 

For more information on these events or to make a donation to the foundation, please visit the website at www.hooverhope.org.  The Hoover Hope Foundation is a federally recognized 501c3 organization and all contributions are tax deductable.  Be the HOPE..for kids…for FAMILIES…for PEDIATRIC CANCER.