ABOUT

"After being diagnosed with cancer, not only are your finances affected but also your motivation, hope, and aspirations.  My Hometown Heroes not only helped me go to college and start my post-cancer life but they also gave me the courage to chase my dreams with the comfort of knowing I'm not alone.  Nothing will ever be able to surpass that feeling." Andrea Khoshaba - 2013/14 Recipient University of Nevada

My Hometown Heroes is a 501(c)3 organization designed to provide scholarships for young adult cancer survivors between the ages of 17 and 39.  Our mission is to financially assist and recognize these amazing individuals who are pursuing a college education.  Through community outreach, collaboration, and creativity we inspire with stories of hope and progress. 

In August of 2009, founder, Danny Heinsohn decided to register to compete in Ironman Canada 2010 to celebrate his 10th year of brain cancer remission. In May 1999 through July 2000, Danny's friends, family, and medical team were his heroes as he battled through three craniotomies, followed by twelve months of chemotherapy to the brain. They were his hope and inspiration through the tough times.

Not long after he registered for Ironman Canada, Danny wanted to raise $10,000 to symbolize 10 years of remission as he trained for the big race. He brought together a few of his trusted colleagues and it was decided that My Hometown Heroes would be a scholarship fund for young cancer survivors.

Every year there are over 70,000 young adults between the ages of 15 and 39 years old who are diagnosed with cancer.  Between the years 2016 and 2020, the cumulative student debt among this college bound population will be over $5 billion dollars.  Join us in our effort to award $1,000,000 in scholarships by 2020. Learn more, click here.
 

Check out our TED Talk

MHH Milestones

THE FIRST 5 YEARS...

• January 22, 2010 – Founded with Nevada Secretary of State
   
• March 20, 2010 – MHH partners with a local race director to help put on it’s inaugural fundraising event in the Spring Into Action 5k race.
   
• August 28, 2010 – Danny competes in Ironman Canada and finishes under 12 hours. He ranked in the top third of over 3000 athletes from 45 US States and over 50 countries, and finished 1st in his home state of Nevada. My Hometown reaches its fundraising goal of $10,000.
   
• May 13, 2011 – MHH awards our first recipient in style. Danny buys tickets for her entire family to attend a Reno Aces game to watch her throw the first pitch. Kristin Katich Sumbot receives a check for $1500, the same amount raised for MHH’s inaugural fundraising event back in 2010.
   
• The first 5 years (2010 through 2015) - MHH awards $30,000 in scholarships to 26 recipients between the amounts of $1000 and $5000 each.  MHH scholarship program expands from local to national, awarding funds from across the country.

THE NEXT 5 YEARS...

• 2016 - MHH begins to develop a deeper and more sustainable infrastructure.  Grassroots programs begin to expand.

• 2017 through 2020 - Impact and scholarships awarded begins to accelerate.  MHH quadruples funds awarded from first 5 years.  MHH programs expand with more scholarship reviewers, corporate and community partnerships, scholarship recipient and candidate platforms, and award shows.  Corporate and community event partners include the Barracuda Championship, PGA, Granite Construction, Eide Bailly, Sierra Nevada Properties, AXIA Home Loans, Sierra Neurosurgery, Jesse Kalter Law, Professional Saleswomen of Nevada, Breakthrough Network, Guild Mortgage, Avison Young, Foundry Ideas, Yelp, and SoL Cannabis.
   
• August 5, 2020 - MHH launches the inaugural Survivor Summit with guest speakers and industry professionals sharing their inspiring stories and insights.  Sessions include opening keynote, family dynamics along the journey through cancer, best practices to earn more scholarship funds, leadership development, and mental health & wellness.  The MHH Survivor Summit is a game changer.