There are some diseases and debilitations that are so pervasive, they have a penchant for touching the lives of virtually everyone. One would be hard pressed to find individuals whose lives haven’t been impacted by cancer and diabetes, either through their families, friends or co-workers, if not themselves.
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States, trailing only heart disease. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 1,600 people die from cancer each day, and just under 600,000 die each year. Diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death, according to diabetes.org, claiming 79,500 lives each year as the underlying cause, with another 252,000 listing diabetes as an underlying or contributing cause of death.
Bill Erpelding saw his mother succumb to cancer in 2018 following a three-year battle. The director of marketing at Supplies Network also works alongside an executive whose son has Type 1 diabetes. Thus, it is not surprising that they, and so many other advocates, have invested their hearts and resources into supporting research and treatment centers such as City of Hope.
City of Hope
Los Angeles-based City of Hope is a recognized global leader in the research of cancer, diabetes and other serious diseases. It is one of only 49 comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S., as designated by the National Cancer Institute. And while the death rate for cancer has dropped 27 percent in the past 25 years, according to ACS, the death incidence has climbed among the poorest citizens in several categories.
Thus, while great strides have been made for the curing and treatment of both diseases, much work remains. And the need for funding research is equally vital.
Our industry certainly has the opportunity and resources to participate in the fundraising endeavor. The Ski For Hope fundraiser returns for its second year, on the heels of a debut event that raised more than $60,000 for City of Hope. Sponsored by Supplies Management, HP and HSM, in tandem with the National Business Products Industry (NBPI) Council, the ski outing (which includes snowboarding, snowmobiling and spa relaxation) will be held Feb. 19-21 in Vail, CO. Click here to register or donate.
Erpelding is no stranger to City of Hope endeavors, having participated in the 500-mile Bike For Hope events in the past. The NBPI Council, comprised of office products companies like 3M and Avery, is also an ardent supporter of City of Hope. And while City of Hope has benefitted from other charity events, including a series of golf outings, Erpelding and Co. wanted to add a little more diversity into the fundraising endeavors. Hence, the Ski For Hope idea was born.
United Effort
Bill Erpelding, Supplies Network
Erpelding worked with HP’s Pete Klauck and HSM’s Todd Lipson to organize the event. Erpelding was responsible for coordinating the location and handling all the logistics with the ski resort.
“Almost all of us have been touched by these diseases,” Erpelding noted. “I’m very grateful for my boss, Greg Welchans, and his constant support. We’re all big believers in the giving back, and we’ve done a lot of charity work for local organizations.
“City of Hope has done some incredible work, and they’ve made really great strides with Type 1 diabetes. They’re getting very close to breakthroughs for curing and treatment.”
Even if you are unable to attend the Ski For Hope event, donations can be made to City of Hope through the registration page. Organizations such as these rely heavily on support from the private business sector, and your contributions can go a long way toward stemming the catastrophic loss of life that these diseases visit upon hundreds of thousands of Americans each year.
