Erin Picone and Jenna Pilipovich Selected to be 2010 Hyde Park Blast Ambassadors
(Cincinnati, OH) – Erin Picone, a resident of Sycamore Township, and Jenna Pilipovich, from Loveland, were named the 2010 Ambassadors for the 9th annual Hyde Park Blast that will be held on June 26, 2010. The Hyde Park Blast was co-founded by Cheryl Koopman and Chad Sims, both are residents of Hyde Park, as a way for the community to have fun, be active and raise money for the fight against cancer.
The Blast began the ambassador program in 2009 to raise awareness of The Wellness Community and CancerFree Kids – all proceeds from the 2010 Hyde Park Blast will be donated to these organizations. More than $220,000 has been given to charities since the Blast was founded in 2001.
The 9th Annual Hyde Park Blast on June 26, 2010 includes a full day of fun and exercise opportunities for adults, kids and cycling enthusiasts followed by the Blast Block Party with the Rusty Griswolds, one of Cincinnati's most popular bands.
Jenna Pilipovich was nominated to be an ambassador by CancerFree Kids. Two years ago, Jenna was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, and she has spent much of her time since then fighting for her life – through several surgeries and months of chemotherapy. Earlier this year, Jenna received the wonderful news that she is cancer free. She combined her love of volleyball with her passion to find a cure for childhood cancer by organizing an event called “Ace Out Cancer” and over the last two years has raised more than $5,000 for CancerFree Kids. She’s lifeguarding at the Blue Ash Recreation Center this summer and will be attending Miami University in the fall.
“We launched the ambassador program last year because we want people who participate in the run/walk, kids races, cycling races and attend the Block Party to know that the Hyde Park Blast is raising money for cancer charities that have a real impact and help those diagnosed with this horrible disease,” said Cheryl Koopman, co-founder of the Blast. “Jenna and Erin are active young women who received tremendous support from CancerFree Kids and The Wellness Community and we want to celebrate that.”
Erin Picone was about to move to Cincinnati from New York City to attend nursing school when she found a walnut-sized lump above her left collar bone. She moved to Cincinnati and soon afterwards was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Erin had many questions and didn’t know where to turn. Her Mom has been a volunteer at The Wellness Community and encouraged Erin to explore the programs available.
“I was most interested in attending a weekly support group for cancer patients who are actively undergoing treatment,” said Erin. “The Wellness Community has been a great source of support and comfort during this difficult time. Every week I look forward to attending my support group. The wisdom and knowledge as well as comfort I receive is immeasurable. For me, the biggest comfort is knowing that I am not alone in this. Before my diagnosis, I had no idea how valuable The Wellness Community would become to me.”
The Wellness Community will receive proceeds this year in Erin Picone’s name. "I will be forever grateful for the support I received from The Wellness Community during my illness," said Picone. A donation to CancerFree Kids will be made in honor of Jenna Pilipovich and her efforts to find a cure for childhood cancer.
A special edition Hyde Park Blast cycling jersey is being auctioned off online to benefit CancerFree Kids. Bids for the jersey may be made here.
A photo of cancer survivors who participate in the 2010 Blast run/walk will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Hyde Park Square – please look for us at the corner of Erie Avenue and Edwards Road.
Please register for the day's activities or to volunteer at http://www.hpblast.org or check the website for more information and details about the Hyde Park Blast.
About The Wellness Community
The mission of The Wellness Community is to help people affected by cancer enhance their health and well-being through participation in a professional program of emotional support, education, and hope. All services are offered at no cost to people with cancer and their loved ones. More information is available at http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/cincinnati/.
About CancerFree Kids
The mission of CancerFree KIDS is to eradicate cancer as a life-threatening disease in children by funding promising research that might otherwise go unfunded. More information can be found at http://www.cancerfreekids.org.