Scholarships

What is the HERO Fund?

The HERO Fund provides scholarships for patients, survivors, caregivers, and members of the colorectal cancer community to participate in Fight CRC programs such as Climb for a Cure, Call-on Congress, Colon Camp, Cologuard Classic, and national conferences.

Your support ensures that financial barriers never prevent someone from stepping up, sharing their story, or becoming a leader in the fight against colorectal cancer. Every gift fuels action, amplifies voices, and strengthens an inclusive advocacy community across the nation.

Inspired by Mike Mancini

The HERO Fund was created in honor of Mike Mancini, a tireless advocate and beloved member of the Fight CRC community. Mike connected people, championed survivors, and embodied compassion and resilience.

Though Mike passed away in 2022, his compassion and leadership continue to inspire the HERO Fund, ensuring that more survivors, caregivers, and advocates have the chance to step forward and make a difference.

“Mike would be honored to know that his legacy is reaching further than he ever imagined. What began as a small effort to build community has taken root. Today, the HERO Fund continues to grow—expanding access, building connections, and offering hope to more patients, survivors, and caregivers across the country.”

Carole Motycka, stage IV survivor and widow of Mike Mancini

Meet Our Heroes

Mike Mancini HERO Award Recipients

Every year, the HERO Fund recognizes individuals who carry the torch forward through the Mike Mancini HERO Award. These honorees embody Mike’s resilience, compassion and “Do It Like Mike” spirit.

Michael Holtz

2025 Recipient

Ryan Vieth

2024 Recipient

JJ Singleton

2023 Recipient

Kim Schoolcraft & Karen Fogerty

2022 Recipient

Where Your Support Makes a Direct Impact

Every donation helps create opportunities for people across the country:

Send an advocate to Washington, D.C. to fight for policy change at Call-on Congress.

Help a survivor summit mountain at Climb for a Cure.

Give more survivors and caregivers the opportunity to champion awareness at the Cologuard Classic.

Give the gift of healing and connection to a young survivor at Colon Camp.

Build the next generation of leaders through Jr. Advocate and youth-focused programs.

Support caregivers and researchers with scholarships to national conferences.

Create meaningful moments of healing and adventure for families navigating life after a colorectal cancer diagnosis through the Kimberly Fund.

Michael Holtz HERO Award

“The work we are doing to create more time for colorectal cancer patients, survivors and their families does not stop, even when the odds feel stacked against us. Lives are at stake. We have work to do.”

How Your Gift Makes a Difference

When you support the HERO Fund, you’re opening doors through scholarships that:

  • Remove barriers so survivors, caregivers, and advocates can take part in life-changing programs.
  • Fuel leadership by giving people the chance to share their stories on national stages.
  • Create connection by uniting families and communities touched by colorectal cancer.
  • Honor HEROES by carrying forward the spirit of those who inspire us.
Climb for a Cure

Because of your generosity, more stories can be shared, more leaders can rise, and more lives can be changed. Together, we will continue building a stronger, more inclusive community of relentless champions of hope.