On March 14th 2014, one of our beloved board members, Michelle Boyd DeJong was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an inoperable brain cancer. During a time when many others would cower in fear, Michelle stood up and fought. She fought not only for herself, but for others. Michelle realized that there was only one way to face this challenge and it’s the same way she approached life: with a positive and selfless attitude focused on using her experiences to help others. Throughout her journey, she raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research and documented her lessons along the way, which you can read here. After a courageous 23 month long battle, Michelle passed away on February 14th, 2016.
The Fighter Foundation was founded by her husband, born from her “fighter” mentality, which is so much more than a battle against her brain tumor. It was a daily initiative to inspire others through action and attitude. This begins with a personal conscious decision and ends with changing lives. It was her positive attitude, her infectious smile and her conviction that not only could she “BElieve THEre is GOOD in the world,” but that she actually had the ability and responsibility to “BE THE GOOD.” This is why you’ll often see High Hopes in High Heels members recite, ‘Be the Good’-to honor our spunky, kind and loving Michelle.
The Fighter Foundation continues her mission by organizing events that promote brain tumorawareness and support funding for brain tumor research and resources for brain tumor patients, families and caregivers. A portion of annual fundraising is dedicated to cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Center.
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For more information about the Fighter Foundation visit
