Fightstrong Honors

The Strong Fighter Award

The Fightstrong Fighter Award was created to honor those who have not only endured the fight against cancer—but have defined it through their mindset, courage, and the way they carry themselves through adversity.

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Who We Honor

Each year, Fightstrong Foundation selects up to five individuals to receive the Fighter Award, choosing honorees not based on diagnosis or outcome, but on who they are throughout their journey. We look for individuals who show resilience in the face of uncertainty, carry themselves with positivity and strength, and have the ability to impact those around them in a meaningful way. Every honoree has a different story, but they all share one common trait—they embody the spirit of Fightstrong in how they approach every day.

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Celebration On Our Biggest Stage

The Fighter Award is presented annually at the Fightstrong Foundation Golf Outing, our largest event of the year and a gathering of the entire Fightstrong community. In front of our supporters, partners, and families, we take time to recognize each honoree and share their story in a way that reflects the magnitude of their journey. This moment is more than an award presentation—it is a celebration of strength, perspective, and purpose, and for many, it becomes one of the most powerful and memorable parts of the entire day.

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Our Thoughtful Process

Each honoree is chosen through a thoughtful and intentional process, working closely with families, medical teams, and our community to identify individuals whose stories truly reflect the mission of Fightstrong. We consider not just what someone is going through, but how they are going through it—their mindset, their character, and the impact they have on others. This is not a volume-based selection, but a deliberate effort to ensure that every individual recognized represents the true meaning behind this award.

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The Meaning Behind the Award

The Fighter Award is not simply about battling cancer—it is about how that battle is fought. It represents strength in the unknown, positivity in the hardest moments, courage when things do not make sense, and the ability to keep showing up day after day. At Fightstrong, we believe these qualities deserve to be recognized, shared, and celebrated, because when one person fights this way, they give strength to everyone around them.

Our 2025 Honorees

Dana Addivinola

Brainstem Glioma

Christie Garrecht

MSI Colon Cancer

James Martinez

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Olivia Mench

Sacrococcygeal Teratoma

Serina Patel

B-Cell High Risk Leukemia


The Sound of Survival

The cancer journey doesn’t end when treatment ends — but completing treatment is a major victory that deserves to be celebrated. This award reminds our recipients, their families, and our entire community that even through the darkest times, strength wins. It’s also a reminder to every family still in the fight: you're not alone, and your moment will come too.

Victory Echoes Forever

We are excited to begin sharing the incredible individuals who have received the A Strong Fighter Award — their stories, their victories, and the strength that carried them through. Listen to what our relationship means to those we have the honor of supporting.