Justin Hage was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2014 and received treatment at the IU Simon Cancer Center, a beneficiary of 24 Foundation. Initially, Justin and his wife were thinking about training for a marathon, but then heard about 24 Foundation through a nurse during his treatment. The nurse informed Justin that the IU Simon Cancer Center had their own team for the event, Pedaling Cures. Fast forward six months after his treatment, Justin was at Bootyville for the first time in Indianapolis and became the individual top fundraiser of the event.
When it comes to fundraising, Justin was able to receive a lot of help from family and friends who were not near him during his treatment, as a way to support a cause he really cared about.
“Whenever anyone close to you is going through cancer treatment, all they want to do is help in some way, and donating to cause that directly impacts an individual is one way to do it,” said Justin Hage, 24 Foundation rider and cancer survivor.
What Justin enjoys most about fundraising is the opportunity you have to connect with people you haven’t seen in a while and giving them a chance to give to a meaningful cause.
“I’m not really a rider like some of the older guys on my team who can spend a lot of time training on the weekends for three or four hours, but I am just happy to be able to participate,” Justin said.
This year, Justin will be riding with Team Pedaling Cures for the second consecutive year.. For the 2016 Indianapolis event, Justin does not have any specific fundraising goals, but would like to increase his mileage goal from last year and complete 50 miles on the Booty Loop.
“24 Foundation is an organization that partners with hospitals where you are able to see a direct of impact of their donations, those partnerships are a really great thing.” Justin said. “This event has a great community factor, where neighbors are given the opportunity to come out and show their support, and I love that.”
Join Justin and Team Pedaling Cures on the Booty Loop June 24-25th!