A Note from Co-chair Michael Koontz

Cancer research has made enormous strides. Skin cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, etc., are no longer the certain killers they once were. However, still too many are affected by cancer.

Several events led to my decision to become involved. First, in an addiction treatment center, I came to realize that no one can do it alone. A higher power is needed. Second, my nephew, a young man in the prime of his life with beautiful children and a spectacularly successful career, died of a rare abdominal cancer. Third, everyone I knew, it seemed, was dealing with some kind of problem caused by cancer. I began to wonder, why not me?

From “The Purpose Driven Life” I learned it wasn’t about me at all. It’s about God, it’s about giving, and it’s about loving one another.

I was led to Manal Fakhoury, our H.U.G.S Charities co-chair. Manal is a person of action and a genius at gathering talented, motivated people. Because of her, what began as a small idea was transformed into an organization with huge potential for good in the work of eliminating cancer.

Unfortunately, large charitable organizations, well-meaning as they are, have large overhead requirements and only a portion of monies raised actually goes to work. H.U.G.S Charities, Inc. believes that by working with volunteers and volunteer groups, almost 100% of the monies received will be used for its intended purpose. That is our hope and our reason for existing.

Sincerely,