Our Mission:
Save lives. Provide hope. Help those impacted by blood cancer.
Our Story
There Goes My Hero was founded by leukemia survivor and bone marrow transplant recipient Erik Sauer.
On May 20, 2008, Erik was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). One week later, Erik’s wife Lisa gave birth to their son Joey. Several days later, Erik entered Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he spent four rocky months, receiving chemotherapy and, ultimately, a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor.
Erik's own fight led him to want to help others. Today, Hero partners with DKMS to add potential lifesavers to the National Bone Marrow Registry; provides meals to patients undergoing treatment and their family members with Moveable Feast, and supports blood cancer research and patient support programs at Maryland hospitals.
[ Right: Erik and his donor, Isabel ]
Staff & Board of Directors
Mary Kaye has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and development. She has worked across the Baltimore area including at the University of Baltimore, Catholic Charities, CASA of Harford County, and the Fuel Fund. She believes effective teams lead to effective organizations.
Stephanie Cupp
Community Outreach Coordinator
Stephanie Cupp joined There Goes My Hero as an intern in August 2018. After graduating from Towson University with a Bachelor's in English, she joined the team full-time as the new Community Outreach Coordinator.
Shirley Mowery
Board Member, Chair of Board Development
Business Development Director at Hertzbach & Company, P.A.
Geneau Thames
Board Member
General Counsel & Director of Compliance, Harford Mutual Insurance Company
Our Partners
Delete Blood Cancer
"We lead the fight against blood cancer by working with families & communities to recruit bone marrow donors & provide patients with second chances at life."
Ava's Flavas
"Ava’s Flavas is dedicated to bringing a little sweetness to children and families affected by childhood cancer."
Moveable Feast
"We provides meals, weekly groceries, and nutritional counseling to those facing life-threatening illness."
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
"LLS is the largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding research, finding cures and ensuring access to treatments for blood cancer patients."
Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
"One of only 45 cancer centers in the country designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center."
Upper Chesapeake Cancer LifeNet
"Our Cancer LifeNet program helps you find the services you need to balance work, family and cancer treatment."
Our Major Sponors
