WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “STUPID STRONG?”

For Candace, it meant being passionately devoted to her friends and family around the dinner table. Preparing and enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones was a treasured experience. While dining in the company of others, Candace would animatedly describe how the flavors and feeling of food were “just stupid good!” To Candace, there was no better way to describe a fantastic meal with friends.

On June 4th 2014, Candace was diagnosed with Stage 3 stomach cancer. After what seemed like a rather routine treatment of a stomach ulcer, she received an alarming call while standing alone in the middle of her local grocery store preparing for a dinner party that night with friends. The business professional, mother of two and loving wife soon discovered that her life would be forever changed.

With the love and support of her friends and family, including her husband and co-founder, Jeff Netzer, Candace turned her love of the food experience, her curiosity for healthy eating and her joy of being surrounded by friends at the dinner table into the powerful reason for our cause. The message of “Stupid Strong” was born.

Sadly, Candace passed away November 28, 2017. She will be missed but never be forgotten. Her legacy continues to live on with our mission as Stupid Strong celebrates the comfort and strength that comes from the support of others.

INDIVIDUALLY, WE ARE STRONG.TOGETHER, WE ARE STUPID STRONG.

Our Board Members are a vital part of our organization.

Jeff Netzer
President

Ashley Elmore
Vice President

Chris Butler
Board Member

Greg Kalina
Board Member

Melinda Fricke
Treasurer

Lou Bogdos
Secretary

Lexi Bonicard
Board Member

We are a grant-based organization, dedicated to raising awareness about gastric cancer, advancing funding for research, and providing education and support to families in need. It is estimated that we will see 27,000 new cases of stomach cancer this year in the US with over 11,000 deaths resulting from the disease. Because of the smaller number of cases relative to other cancers, it receives very little federal funding and few resources devoted to researching a cure. StupidStrong.org exists for the purpose of making the cure for stomach cancer a reality.

OVER $1,600,000 GRANTED SO FAR

Our successful fundings include:

thank you to our corporate sponsor

Interested in becoming a corporate sponsor? Click here.

Awardees, Jody Kalman (2015) and Ashley Elmore (2018), with Jeff Netzer.

Awardees, Regi Schubert (2017) and Ashley Elmore (2018).

Awardee, Regi Schubert (2017), pictured right with Sean Schubert.

Awardees, Lou and Amanda Bogdos (2016).

Awardee, Amanda Bogdos (2016), pictured right with Candace Netzer.

Awardee, Lou Bogdos (2016), with Candace Netzer.

Awardees, Jody Kalman (2015) and Ashley Elmore (2018).

Awardee, Jody Kalman (2015), pictured right with Candace Netzer.

Awardees, Tommie Netzer (2014) and Jody Kalman (2015).

Awardees, Tommie Netzer (2014) and Ashley Elmore (2018).

WITH HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS…

The Orrefors Heart Bowl represents the affirmation of someone who motivates and inspires himself or herself to be their best self. It is awarded to the one special volunteer who has given significant service in support of Stupid Strong’s mission. Thanks to these special individuals for always volunteering for our events and sharing your talents with our organization. We love you!

WITH HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS…

The Orrefors Heart Bowl represents the affirmation of someone who motivates and inspires himself or herself to be their best self. It is awarded to the one special volunteer who has given significant service in support of Stupid Strong’s mission. Thanks to these special individuals for always volunteering for our events and sharing your talents with our organization. We love you!

Past Annual Volunteer Award Recipients:

2014 Tommie Netzer2015 Jody Kalman2016 Lou and Amanda Bogdos2017 Regi Schubert2018 Ashley Elmore2019 Julie and Dave Van Buskirk

Past Annual Volunteer Award Recipients:

2014 Tommie Netzer
2015 Jody Kalman
2016 Lou and Amanda Bogdos
2017 Regi Schubert
2018 Ashley Elmore
2019 Julie and Dave Van Buskirk
2021 Stacy Douglass
2022 Lexi Bonicard and Jeannie Bowens
2023 Carlyn Clement and Andy MacPherson

– Candace

Candace Netzer, Co-Founder and Inspiration for Stupid Strong

Candace Netzer, Co-Founder and Inspiration for Stupid Strong