The Power of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

When people come together, amazing things can happen. When everyone supports however they are able to, whether it’s a high school fundraising for the local hospital or a family supporting cancer research in honor of a loved one, there is great power in numbers. With Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation’s peer-to-peer fundraising pages, you have the power to bring people together to support your local hospital or a health care cause close to your heart.

In 2022, it was incredible to see so many community members create and support Do It Yourself (DIY) fundraisers. We were inspired by the stories behind all of them, such as Mindy’s Walk for Brain and Spine Tumor Research. This fundraiser was started by loved ones in memory of William Nash who lost a courageous battle with brain cancer. Thanks to their efforts, more than $25,000 was donated to glioblastoma research at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center.

The family of Michael Falcone came together to set up Hike for Mike, an in-person and virtual fundraiser in recognition of Michael’s treatment at the Center for Brain Injuries at Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. Their initiative saw more than $30,000 in crucial funds go to the JRI. This shares only a snapshot of the phenomenal support we received through DIY pages.

Many also took part in Eli’s Challenge, a grassroots fundraising initiative in partnership with former New York Giants quarterback, Super Bowl Champion and Tackle Kids Cancer captain Eli Manning. Funds raised support Tackle Kids Cancer, an initiative that raises critical funds for pediatric cancer and patient programs at Hackensack Meridian Children's Health.

We were truly in awe of Ian Randman’s cross country bike ride from Florida to Alaska in memory of his cousin Joshua Randman. Joshua was a strong advocate for TKC during his battle with cancer, and Ian wanted to carry on his cousin's legacy, going on to surpass his goal and raise more than $8,000.

Additionally, many Hackensack Meridian Health team members and supporters raise awareness and funds by running for TKC at various marathons, including the prestigious TCS NYC Marathon, each year.

We look forward to seeing what our communities continue to do in 2023 and are so pleased to see other exciting fundraisers starting to take off, including one in honor of 5-year-old Tobi. Tobi was cured of Sickle Cell Disease through innovative treatments at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. In gratitude to the hospital for curing their son, Tobi’s parents have established a DIY fundraiser with a $150,000 goal to help the Children’s Hospital hire a Nurse Navigator that will help families learn about, and take advantage of, the curative therapies now available to treat this disabling condition.

No matter if the gift size is $5 or $500, each and every donation to a peer-to-peer fundraiser makes a tremendous impact. Last year, all of those fundraisers collectively, whether having a $1,000 or $50,000 goal, raised a total of half a million dollars to benefit health care across our network. What a fantastic example of power in numbers!

We are incredibly grateful to all who started, shared and donated to our DIY pages! Visit givehmh.org/HostYourOwn to learn more about creating your own peer-to-peer fundraiser. If you need help getting started, we are here to assist. Email us at giving@hmhn.org or call 551-996-3451.

Together, we can make 2023 the year that truly transforms health care. We invite you to join us on this important quest - MAKE A GIFT TODAY! Sign up for our Foundation newsletter to receive news right to your inbox.