Hope Rises – Our Story

Hope Rises began in the early 2000s with our grandmother, Catherine Nagy – a grandmother, mother, wife, sister, and friend whose life became deeply intertwined with the fight against breast cancer. When the disease began affecting her family, Catherine stepped into the fight with determination, compassion, and an unwavering belief in hope.

After her father and sister-in-law were diagnosed with breast cancer, Catherine began walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Following her very first walk, she discovered a lump of her own and was soon diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent surgery and radiation, later learning she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation. Over the years, she faced recurrence and advanced disease, participated in research trials, and lived for decades with breast cancer as part of her daily reality. Even when told early on that she might not live to see another Christmas, Catherine continued to fight and to lead, showing up year after year for herself and for others.

By 2008, Hope Rises was participating in races across the country, including the Race for the Cure in Buffalo, New York, where Catherine was honored. In November 2011, the team took part in the 55th Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at Balboa Park in San Diego – a meaningful return to the city where Catherine had completed her first walk nearly a decade earlier. Over the years, she led Hope Rises through close to one hundred walks and 3-Day events, raising more than $200,000 for breast cancer research and patient support.

Catherine’s commitment extended beyond the walks themselves. She also supported breast cancer awareness and care efforts in Mexico, helping to create a clinic and bring education, resources, and hope to under-served communities. To her, this fight had no borders - only people who needed support.

Hope Rises also honors the life and journey of Michelle March – a daughter, wife, aunt, sister, and friend whose connection to breast cancer spanned generations. Long before her own diagnosis, Michelle walked year after year in honor of loved ones impacted by this disease, standing beside her family through multiple cancer journeys. In 2017, she discovered a lump in her breast that grew rapidly and was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. Michelle underwent a lumpectomy, chemo, radiation, and later had reconstructive surgery. Throughout treatment, she faced difficult decisions and lasting side effects with honesty, strength, and resilience. After Catherine’s passing in 2016, Michelle continued that legacy by stepping into the role of team leader, ensuring Hope Rises remained a place of connection and support – especially during the annual Las Vegas walks that brought family and friends together from across the country. This year’s walk will be our first since losing her, and we carry her courage, leadership, and love with us in every step we take.

Along with Catherine and Michelle, we walk in memory of all those whose journeys shaped the heart of this team.

Hope Rises is made up of family, extended family, and friends – people connected by love, loss, and the shared belief that this fight matters. We walk to honor those we’ve lost, support those still fighting, and keep showing up for future generations.

Thank you for being a part of Hope Rises and for helping us keep hope rising.

In Memory Of

Catherine Nagy (2016)

Catherine was diagnosed with breast cancer in the early 2000s after discovering a lump following her first Race for the Cure. She underwent a lumpectomy and radiation and later learned she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation. Living for many years with advanced disease, she participated in research trials and remained deeply committed to breast cancer research and survivor support. Catherine believed the fight against breast cancer was ultimately for future generations, a belief that continues to guide Hope Rises today.

Michelle Nagy (2021)

Michelle’s life was shaped by a deep, multigenerational connection to breast cancer. After the passing of her mother, Catherine, she carried that legacy forward by helping keep Hope Rises together and ensuring the team continued to walk in love and remembrance. She was a source of strength, connection, and quiet leadership, especially during the Las Vegas walks that brought family and friends together year after year. Michelle faced her own battle with courage and grace, and her presence continues to be felt in every step this team takes.

Karen Diane Bond (1990)

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1979 at the age of 28, Karen underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. For the next 11 years, she battled multiple forms of cancer until her passing in 1990 at the age of 39. Karen is remembered with love, and her strength and perseverance are honored as part of the journey that brings our team together and guides our path forward.