Danny Heinsohn with My Hometown Heros

·26 min·2 clips

Why are cancer rates in women under 50 now 82% higher than men, affecting over 92,000 young adults?

The episode begins with host Cheri Hill presenting statistics from the American Cancer Society, revealing that over 92,000 young adults aged 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer each year, with a notable gender disparity. She introduces Danny Heinsohn, founder and executive director of My Hometown Heroes, a nonprofit providing scholarships to cancer survivors attending universities, community colleges, or trade schools. Danny explains that the organization's mission is to bridge the gap between cancer and college, offering financial support and recognition. He shares his personal story of being diagnosed with brain cancer at 23 in 1999, which forced him to relearn basic skills and disrupted his life plans. Danny discusses the psychological, physical, and financial challenges survivors face when trying to pursue education, noting that average student debt exceeds $50,000. The conversation covers My Hometown Heroes' programs, including the 7th Annual Heroes Night Out event on September 25th at the Wilbur D. May Center, which funds scholarships and partners with the Dragon Lights opening reception. Danny mentions other initiatives like the Fund a Future monthly donation campaign and poker tournaments that raise money. He highlights a success story: Haley Carroll, a 2016 scholarship recipient who became a pediatric oncology nurse at Renown Hospital. The episode also touches on the Breakfast of Champions event, a TED-talk-style gathering focused on life skills and nutrition for survivors. Danny emphasizes the importance of health advocacy, sharing his own focus on diet and seizure management as a brain cancer survivor. He concludes with a personal philosophy inspired by his cancer journey, urging listeners not to wait to live their lives. The show wraps with promotional details for My Hometown Heroes and reminders about upcoming events.

As heard by us

A grounded conversation about turning community support into scholarships for young people facing cancer.

Danny Heinsohn's conversation with the host centers on young people whose cancer treatment can disrupt school, mobility, memory, attention, and plans for higher education.

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Why you'd press play

You get a clear look at how My Hometown Heroes turns recurring gifts and event support into scholarships for young people dealing with cancer.

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