I've seen the impacts that blood cancers can have on an individual, a family, and a community. Through working with communities in the Peace Corps, WHO and the CDC in underdeveloped countries I have seen the drastic impact that underfunded research has on those that are drastically impacted by these diseases. Haymakers for Hope represents a unique opportunity to raise awareness for some of these diseases. 

I'm fighting to raise awareness and funds for the Red Fred Project. The Red Fred Project finds children living in extraordinary circumstances (rare diseases, critical illnesses, life-limiting situations) and asks them the question: If you could write a book for the entire world to read, what would it be about?

The stories they share are filled with humor, compassion, and wisdom. The books we create together become a vehicle for these stories. They become a lasting voice, a tangible achievement for each child. As part of the proceeds from each book sold go to the family, or to a related cause chosen by the child, the books are also a way to help with financial difficulties.

Our goal is to work with 50 kids in 50 states to publish national series. So far, we are 12 states in. We have worked to create stories with our storytellers (kiddos) who have brought awareness and helped support the families of these beautiful souls who have

• Medulloblastoma


• Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bones Disease)


• Melanoma


• Neuroglial Brain Tumors


• Mitochondrial Disease


• Progeria (Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome) 

For more information on this project, please visit http://redfredproject.com/