Fraternal Order of Police "Movember"
More than $22,000 raised supporting Biliary System and Liver Cancer Fund
When Dublin Police detective Erik Gilleland died of gallbladder cancer in April 2019, officers across Franklin Country wanted to do something in his memory.
They participated in a “Movember” campaign in November. Male officers were permitted to grow facial hair, and female officers were allowed to paint their fingernails for a $150 donation.
They raised more than $22,000 to benefit the Biliary System and Liver Cancer Fund in Erik’s memory. Police cruisers and over 100 officers and representatives from Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9 presented the donation to the OSUCCC – James.
This is not the first time the police have come together to raise money for cancer research. Upper Arlington Police detective Brian Daron initiated the campaign in 2016 when they lost Detective Jim Hamilton, one of their own, to pancreatic cancer.
To date, FOP and local law enforcement efforts have led to nearly $39,000 being donated to the OSUCCC – James.
AJ Angelo's Music Marathon
More than $83,000 raised supporting the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer and the Urban and Shelley Meyer Fund for Cancer Research
Local singer/songwriter AJ Angelo hosted his second annual Music Marathon under a packed tent at Gatsby’s in Gahanna in January 2020. Building on the success of his inaugural fundraiser, AJ aimed to make the 2020 event even bigger. In addition to 12 hours of entertainment from AJ, the day featured appearances by The Ohio State University Alumni Band and Alumni Cheerleaders. Funds were raised through ticket sales, a .01 Mile Walk/Run/Crawl, banner and apparel sales, and live and silent auctions.
Columbus Donut Run
More than $31,000 raised supporting the Joan Bisesi Fund for Head and Neck Oncology Research
The 2,000 participants in the 6th annual Columbus Donut Run crossed the finish line to receive coffee and a half dozen donuts each. The run at Genoa Park included photo opportunities with donut mascots and Brutus Buckeye.
The tasty fun was for an important cause — raising funds for head and neck cancer research.
The Joan Bisesi Fund for Head and Neck Oncology Research honors Joan Levy Bisesi, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend who was positive and courageous through her painful five-year battle against cancer.
Joan’s daughter, Mira, and her mother, Lee Levy, spoke to the crowd, as did James Rocco, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, sharing the impact of Joan’s philanthropy.
The Donut Run is part of the James 5K Race Series.
A Christmas to Cure Cancer
$90,000 raised supporting the Cancer Immunotherapy Research Fund
Nearly 200 guests gathered in December 2019 at Smith & Wollensky for the 18th annual A Christmas to Cure Cancer. Attendees were treated to a delicious meal, live holiday music, and an impressive silent and live auction. The evening was emceed by WBNS-10TV’s Angela An and included remarks from event founder Mark Puskarich; James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute CEO William Farrar, MD; and survivor Brian Baker and his wife LaChandra Baker.
Puskarich recognized David Schuller, MD, as the evening’s honorary chair and presented Cindy Hilsheimer with the Heather Pick Circle of Support Award for her service to the OSUCCC – James.