‘Cancer Challenge’ to raise money, awareness for a cure

Before he died of cancer in June 2007, former IU football coach Terry Hoeppner gave IU students hope for the team to play its first bowl game in more than a decade.\nNow, those same students have the opportunity to give hope to cancer patients in the Coach Hep Cancer Challenge, which will take place May 10 at Bill Armstrong Stadium. It will feature many events, including a 2K Family Walk, a 5K run and three cycling events. Proceeds from the challenge will benefit the IU Simon Cancer Center and the Olcott Center for \nCancer Education.\nJane Hoeppner, wife of the late football coach and honorary chairperson for the Coach Hep Cancer Challenge, said it is something she hopes will carry on long into the future.\n“I’m absolutely honored,” she said. “He’ll be remembered in this way for years to come, and I hope every May this is something people circle on their calendar.”\nJennifer Hurtubise, a committee member for the event, said she believes IU students should get involved in \nthe event.\n“Everyone loved Coach Hep,” she said. “I don’t care if you’re a football fan or not. He brought a lot of tradition to IU, and I think this is a good tradition that we can carry on in his name. We want to encourage the IU students to take this challenge in honor of \nCoach Hep.”\nRepresentatives of the Coach Hep Cancer Challenge said their goal is to raise $150,000 and have 2,000 participants. They also want to raise awareness about the fight against cancer.\n“It’s always good for people to give to something other than themselves,” said committee member Rick Schilling. “Through research, we can do something about this. There’s research going on right here in Bloomington on ovarian cancer. It’s world-class and it keeps \ngetting better.”\nHoeppner said her husband would have been very appreciative of the event.\n“He would be grateful that people would be able to give their money and their time and their effort,” she said. “He would be grateful that people are willing to go above and beyond for a worthwhile cause. He would have an ‘attitude \nof gratitude.’”\nA minimum pledge of $35 is required to participate in the Coach Hep Cancer Challenge and each participant will receive a pair of \nred shoelaces.\n“I would just really encourage people to participate,” Hoeppner said. “Not just read about it, but spread the word and actually commit to volunteering to it or sponsor it. It has something for everyone. That part of it is special to me.”