ARTICLE: Hope On The Hill with Kix Brooks

Tuesday September 14th marked the five year anniversary of a battle with cancer that was lost by Liam Hoover, who was 12 years old when he was diagnosed. In celebration of his life and his courageous spirit, the The Hoover Hope Foundation has been established to help other families who are on the same path and are facing the struggles associated with the journey that pediatric cancer takes.


A fundraiser was held on the hillside at Arrington Vineyards where guests enjoyed the tranquil and breathtaking scenic view as they enjoyed the award winning wines, hors d'oeuvres & music provided by Thom Ellis. A special and emotional presentation brought awareness to the guests by families who have been personally touched by cancer.

Country artist Kix Brooks, one of the founders of Arrington Vinyards was on hand at the event to lend his support and mingle with guests, as were other partners in the Williamson County venture.

More than 12,500 children are diagnosed each year with cancer and the financial burden can be significant for families. Medical insurance covers much of the treatment, however there are financial needs that are not covered by conventional insurance, such as simple everyday expenses like gas, or lawncare while you are away from home.

Michelle Hoover, the mother of Liam, who lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 12 explains the necessity for helping families with “unrecognized” needs.

“We were very fortunate in that we had a community of friends and neighbors that were a tremendous help to our family. Many families traveling to Nashville or Memphis for treatment plans do not have the luxury of being surrounded by a community they know,” explains Hoover. Hoover says the treatment plan is usually quite extensive and lengthy. This requires parent care around th

e clock, which means if both parents work, someone has to give up their job. This loss of income can be quite burdensome.

“We started our foundation as a way to give back to families and support the two hospitals that provided such incredible care to our son,” said Hoover.

The Hoover Hope Foundation has hosted a 5K run the last five years, raising over $160,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Our foundation recently established an endowment at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to assist families with the unrecognized needs that come with the diagnosis of cancer. The foundation is developing additional events, including the “Hope on the Hill.”

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month and the five year anniversary of Liam’s journey to heaven after a courageous battle with this disease. This foundation is a way to honor their son and provide hope for families that are in the midst of cancer treatment.

“My dream is to never have a mother hear the words, ‘your son has cancer.’ We must continue to wage war on this disease that impacts the entire family. Pediatric cancer receives less than 3% of funding from the National Cancer Institute,” explained Hoover. “Many treatment protocols were developed for adult patients. Although cure rates for many pediatric cancers have improved over the last 20 years, we still have so much work to do for these precious children.”

The Hoover Hope Foundation is excited to see the results of this new event and will host the 6th annual Hoover Run for Hope on November 6th, 2010.

For more information on these events or to make a donation to the foundation, please visit the website at www.hooverhope.org. The Hoover Hope Foundation is a federally recognized 501c3 organization and all contributions are tax deductable. Be the HOPE..for kids…for FAMILIES…for PEDIATRIC CANCER.

Additional photos of the event can be seen by visiting http://MomentsByMoser.zenfolio.com/hopeonthehill