We have always philanthropically supported cancer research, but we didn’t understand the magnitude of the disease until it became excruciatingly personal to us. Greg’s father, Glen Gard, passed away in October of 2015 after a six-month battle with glioblastoma multiforme, an excruciating form of brain cancer. Shortly thereafter, our reflections became clear that we wanted to honor Glen by helping others across the state of Wisconsin. Glen believed in thinking globally but supporting locally. Thus, Garding Against Cancer was born.
However, what we didn’t fathom five years ago was how quickly our initiative would grow. Thousands of people have related to our story; the struggle, the pain, and how cancer mercilessly changes lives forever. Even more powerfully noted, though, are the multitude of generous and compassionate people who have joined our team; supporting cancer research at UW Carbone Cancer Center, as well as enhancing patient care around the state of WI. It is this warm response and philanthropic endorsement that has made Garding Against Cancer exceptionally impactful and has given light to the darkness for numerous patients and their families. We are humbled by the support and sincerely appreciate everyone who is making a difference. We know that, together, we will continue to take steps forward in this fight, until cancer is a distant memory.
– Coach Greg and Michelle Gard
