Fort HealthCare Receives $7,000 Donation from Tomorrow’s Hope JHS Ambassadors to Raise Awareness for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
FORT ATKINSON – In recognition of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Fort HealthCare is launching a community-wide awareness campaign made possible by a donation from the Tomorrow’s Hope JHS Ambassadors at Jefferson High School. The funds were raised during the school’s 10th annual Hoops for Hope event, an initiative led by students to support local healthcare causes.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., but it is also one of the most treatable cancers when caught early. That’s why routine screenings are so important. Fort HealthCare encourages adults 45 and older—or anyone at higher risk due to family history or other health factors—to talk with their healthcare provider about screening options. The awareness campaign will focus on educating the community about the importance of early detection and making screening a priority.
“We are incredibly grateful to the students behind Hoops for Hope for their commitment to supporting local health initiatives,” said Christopher Barron, R. Ph., MBA, Executive Director of Population Health & Clinical Services at Fort HealthCare. “This donation will be the spark that will drive a much broader, coordinated effort aimed at reducing colorectal cancer deaths in our community through screening and early detection.”
Hoops for Hope started in 2014 at Jefferson High School as a collaboration between Tomorrow’s Hope and local students who wanted to make a difference. Over the years, the event has grown into a key fundraiser, with students choosing where to direct the funds based on local healthcare needs.
In 2022, the club officially rebranded as the Tomorrow’s Hope JHS Ambassadors, emphasizing its role in student leadership and community impact. For the 2024-2025 school year, 81 students signed up to be part of the effort, working alongside student advisor Toby Krause and Tomorrow’s Hope Executive Director Todd Wiedenhoeft to plan fundraising events and select meaningful causes to support.
“This event is about more than just raising money—it’s about students learning how they can have a real impact on their community,” said Todd Wiedenhoeft, Executive Director of Tomorrow’s Hope. “Their support for Fort HealthCare’s colorectal cancer awareness campaign shows just how committed they are to making a difference.”
Fort HealthCare continues to advocate for preventive healthcare and early detection through partnerships with organizations like Tomorrow’s Hope. By working together, they hope to make it easier for people to get the screenings and information they need to stay healthy.
About Tomorrow’s Hope
The founders of Tomorrow’s Hope established the organization to offer meaningful support to individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses. Their work focuses on offering emotional, financial, and practical support to help those navigating serious health challenges. Through their leadership, Tomorrow’s Hope strives to make a positive impact in the community by offering hope and support to those in need. Please visit Tomorrow’sHope.org for more information.