The basis for Ann's Hope Foundation was laid by two friends. After learning they were both runners, they began training for a marathon together. As the length of their runs grew, so did their friendship.
Ann Harrington learned the story of Anne Frentzel's father's two year battle with melanoma cancer and his death in November of 2002. Because of their close relationship, when Ann Harrington's brother was diagnosed with advanced melanoma in September of 2004, Anne Frentzel was the first person outside of the family that Ann Harrington discussed the situation with.
As Anne and Ann continued to talk about melanoma through out the fall and winter they came to the realization that there is little awareness of the seriousness of melanoma cancer in the area or the U.S. Anne had been thinking about ways to use running to raise awareness about melanoma. Meanwhile Ann wanted to create a foundation to help raise melanoma awareness and research funds. When their ideas ran into each other.
Ann's Hope Foundation and the Rays Awareness, Block Melanoma Run/Walk were created. Rays Awareness, Block Melanoma Run/Walk will be an annual event. Ann's Hope Foundation plans on promoting other events such as silent auctions, dinners, ski events, and more to raise funds and awareness of melanoma cancer.
The inception of Ann's Hope Foundation was February 2005. The organization was created in memory of the cofounders loved ones, Richard Cibula and Craig Harasha. Today the foundation is the only melanoma foundation in the state of Wisconsin holding several events to raise funds for melanoma research and education. The foundation is dedicated to creating a community for those affected by melanoma and ultimately a cure for melanoma.
-Written By Craig Harasha February 2005
