My Hometown Heroes, Inc.

My Hometown Heroes, Inc. Bridging the gap between cancer and college, one scholarship at a time.

My Hometown Heroes is a 501(c)3 organization designed to provide scholarships for young adult cancer survivors between the ages of 17 and 39. Our mission is to financially assist and recognize these amazing individuals who are pursuing a college education. Through community outreach, collaboration, and creativity we inspire with stories of hope and progress.

08/19/2026

🎉 SURVEY RAFFLE WINNER! 🎉

We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out and supported our 5th Annual Networking Night at the Ballpark! ⚾️💙 Your continued support, encouragement, and commitment to our mission mean more to us than we can say.

And a special thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our event survey! We truly value your feedback and appreciate you helping us make each event even better.

Congratulations to our survey raffle winner… Megan Holland! Megan Holland🥳

Megan has won TWO tickets to our Heroes Night Out event on September 30, 2026, at the Wilbur D. May Center at Rancho San Rafael Park! 🎟️🎟️

If you’d like to join us for an incredible evening filled with great food, music, networking, auctions, inspiring stories, and an opportunity to support an amazing cause, we’d love to see you there! 💙

🎟️ Tickets are available at:
myhometownheroes.org
You can also visit our page, where the event is linked!

We hope you’ll join us on September 30th as we come together to bridge the gap between cancer and college and support young adult cancer survivors as they navigate this next chapter of their lives. Every ticket, donation, and show of support helps us provide scholarships and remind these incredible young adults that they are not alone in their journey. 💙

Thank you for continuing to believe in our mission, showing up for our Heroes, and helping us make a difference—one scholarship at a time.

✨ We can’t wait to see you at Heroes Night Out! ✨

08/13/2026

MEET THIS WEEK’S HERO: RAHEL TECLE DIAZ!

We are so excited to introduce you to Rahel Tecle Diaz, a 2025 My Hometown Heroes scholarship recipient whose story is a beautiful example of resilience, curiosity, creativity, and advocacy. Rahel was just 17 years old when she was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in May 2022. Today, she is a proud cancer survivor studying Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at UCLA, while also pursuing a minor in Film, Television & Digital Media.

When she’s not studying, you’ll find Rahel exploring her passion for film and music. She is a member of UCLA’s Film and Photography Society, where she helps create three short films each quarter. She also loves discovering new music and is currently obsessed with French rap!

Looking five years ahead, Rahel hopes to be halfway through medical school, surrounded by people who share her passion for medicine, while continuing to nurture the friendships and relationships that mean so much to her.

One of the greatest lessons cancer has taught Rahel is the importance of advocating for yourself and for others. She believes that being a voice, a light, and a helping hand for someone in need—even when that someone is yourself—can make a tremendous difference.

And through it all, Rahel is most grateful for her family, who have always been her rock and the people she can return to after a hard day.

✨ Rahel’s Top 3 Life Goals:
🌎 Visit her parents’ home countries, Eritrea and El Salvador
🏡 Retire her parents and buy them a home
🎶 Learn to whistle!

Words to live by:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
(Though many of us may know it from The Princess Diaries! 😉)

Rahel, we are incredibly proud to be part of your journey from cancer to college and beyond. We can’t wait to see all the incredible things you accomplish! 💙🎓

Recapping the 5 Year Anniversary of My Hometown Heroes, Inc. Networking Night at the Ballpark from last Thursday, August...
08/12/2026

Recapping the 5 Year Anniversary of My Hometown Heroes, Inc. Networking Night at the Ballpark from last Thursday, August 6.

One of the core values of My Hometown Heroes, Inc. is COMMUNITY - No one fights alone.

We love bringing people together for a great experience, because at the end of the day we need each other to succeed.

This year was our best organized installation of it's 5 year history.

⚾️ Branded name tags
⚾️ Fast response to people who registered and less than 12 hour follow up of all attendees after the event
⚾️ Contained air conditioned environment inside the 250 Lounge (during a heat wave) with all you can eat buffet and beverages
⚾️ New logo on Networking Night at the Ballpark rally towels
⚾️ Incredible check in service at the front by our event coordinator Lauren Baros and Kenneth Bayless, CPA
⚾️ Overall great brand awareness after I was able to speak for the group on the reason we started the event, and why it matters in our mission to help bridge the gap between cancer and college, one scholarship at a time.

This was the first year we didn't have an increase in participants from the previous year (it was hot, lots of people out of town, etc.) but we always try to deliver on a great experience. Thank you Vinnie Depaoli for these kind words in a follow up email...

"Thank you again for yesterday's event. It was a blast! I know attendance wasn't as high as in previous years, but I think that helped. It meant you were not shoulder to shoulder with people. I personally made more connections yesterday than at the last two Night at the Ballpark events".

Encore shout out to our game day partners as none of this possible without you...

Granite Construction
Wolf Pack Moving
Jason Candler & Associates
Mike Wood Team
United Federal Credit Union
The Tox Technique
UES
Northern Nevada Fire Protection Inc.
Reno Aces

Finally thank you Jason Candler Heather Velasquez Richard Mead and Vinnie Depaoli for allowing me to "borrow" your photos and video here 😉

We are 2 days away from the 5 Year Anniversary of Networking Night at the Ballpark on Thursday, August 6.Commemorative r...
08/04/2026

We are 2 days away from the 5 Year Anniversary of Networking Night at the Ballpark on Thursday, August 6.

Commemorative rally towels included for all “250 Lounge” participants with fully catered buffet + game day ticket in our rally towel section, networking opportunities among our game day partners, community leaders, and other like minded business professionals.

SHOUT OUT TO OUR GAME DAY STARTING LINE-UP PARTNERS:
UES
Granite Construction
Wolf Pack Moving
Mike Wood Team
Northern Nevada Fire Protection Inc. .
United Federal Credit Union
The Tox Technique
Jason Candler & Associates

Details and to register: https://myhometownheroesinc-bloom.kindful.com/e/2026ballpark

Proceeds and awareness benefit college bound cancer survivors for the Spring 2027 semester in our mission to help bridge the gap between cancer and college, one scholarship at a time.

Investing in futures since 2010 we have a new vibe and look for our Fall signature event. Taking place on Wednesday, Sep...
08/02/2026

Investing in futures since 2010 we have a new vibe and look for our Fall signature event. Taking place on Wednesday, September 30 we are entering the 8th year of Heroes Night Out in partnership with Dragon Lights opening reception.

For details and community partners that support check out the link on our IG bio or visit: https://myhometownheroesinc-bloom.kindful.com/e/heroes-night-out-2026-1

7 days from now My Hometown Heroes, Inc. is partnering with the Reno Aces for our 5 Year Anniversary of Networking Night...
07/30/2026

7 days from now My Hometown Heroes, Inc. is partnering with the Reno Aces for our 5 Year Anniversary of Networking Night at the Ballpark.

Connect with over 100 business professionals on Thursday, August 6 at Greater Nevada Field inside the 250 Lounge.

Details and to register: https://myhometownheroesinc-bloom.kindful.com/e/2026ballpark

Commemorative rally towels included for all “250 Lounge” participants with fully catered buffet + game day ticket in our rally towel section, networking opportunities among our game day partners, community leaders, and other like minded business professionals.

Proceeds benefit college bound cancer survivors for the Spring 2027 semester in our mission to help bridge the gap between cancer and college, one scholarship at a time.

SHOUT OUT TO OUR GAME DAY STARTING LINE-UP PARTNERS:
Team UES, Granite Construction Supply & Sign Shop, Wolf Pack Moving - Reno, Mike Wood Team , Northern Nevada Fire Protection Inc., The Tox Technique, United Federal Credit Union, Jason Candler & Associates

Meet This Week's Hero: Preston Willey!In 2017, Preston was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and in 2020, he faced anoth...
07/29/2026

Meet This Week's Hero: Preston Willey!

In 2017, Preston was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and in 2020, he faced another diagnosis—a neuroendocrine tumor of the appendix.

Today, Preston is pursuing his dream of becoming a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Utah, with plans to graduate in Summer 2028. His goal is to settle down with his family and serve a small community as a compassionate physician, proving that life's greatest obstacles can become the foundation for its greatest purpose.

When asked what advice he would give to other young cancer survivors, Preston shared:

"Be patient and persistent. Receiving a life-changing diagnosis and navigating treatment can be a difficult process. You need to allow yourself space to grieve, struggle, and grow. Although cancer can be painful and relentless, never give up! Always search for a reason to be hopeful and grateful."

One of the most powerful lessons cancer taught Preston is to define your values and pursue them relentlessly. He believes that while cancer is something no one would choose, it doesn't have to define a person's future. Instead, it can inspire survivors to live with greater purpose, strengthen relationships, and make a meaningful impact on others.

Preston is most grateful for God and his loved ones, and his life goals reflect a heart dedicated to service:
✨ Serve others in meaningful ways
📚 Be a continuous learner
🏞️ Visit every National Park

When he's not studying medicine, you'll likely find him cycling, lifting weights, or enjoying his one admitted weakness—baked goods.

Congratulations, Preston! Your resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination embody what it means to be a My Hometown Heroes scholar. We can't wait to see the lives you'll touch as a future physician.

What's better than coming out to celebrate My Hometown Heroes, Inc. 5 Year Anniversary for Networking Night at the Ballp...
07/23/2026

What's better than coming out to celebrate My Hometown Heroes, Inc. 5 Year Anniversary for Networking Night at the Ballpark?

How about sharing the love with our Buy 4, Get 1 Free offer to celebrate your team, or schmooze clients?

Join My Hometown Heroes, Inc. and connect with over 125 business professionals on Thursday, August 6 at Greater Nevada Field inside the 250 Lounge.

Details and to register: https://myhometownheroesinc-bloom.kindful.com/e/2026ballpark

Commemorative rally towels included for all “250 Lounge” participants with fully catered buffet + game day ticket in our rally towel section, networking opportunities among our game day partners, community leaders, and other like minded business professionals.

Proceeds benefit college bound cancer survivors for the Spring 2027 semester in our mission to help bridge the gap between cancer and college, one scholarship at a time.

SHOUT OUT TO OUR GAME DAY STARTING LINE-UP PARTNERS:
Team UES, Granite Construction Supply & Sign Shop, Wolf Pack Moving, Mike Wood Team, Northern Nevada Fire Protection Inc., United Federal Credit Union, Jason Candler & Associates, The Tox Technique, Reno Aces

07/22/2026

This week we're proud to celebrate Parker Shubin, one of our incredible 2025 scholarship recipients.

Parker was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma on Mother's Day in May 2011. Since then, he has faced every challenge with resilience, determination, and hope.

Today, he's pursuing his dream of becoming a registered nurse, with plans to graduate in Spring 2028. His ultimate goal is to work as a pediatric oncology nurse at Children's Hospital Los Angeles—the very hospital where he received treatment for the past 14 years.

A brain tumor survivor, Parker describes his greatest strengths as being hardworking, resilient, empathetic, and kind. Outside of school, he enjoys playing the piano and working out, and he's passionate about using his own experiences to make a difference in the lives of children facing cancer.

When asked what lesson his journey has taught him, Parker shared:
"You can be scared and brave at the same time. Strength isn't about having no fear. It's about showing up anyway, even when everything feels uncertain."

His advice to other young cancer survivors? "Never give up despite how hard the fight gets."

Parker says he is most grateful simply to still be here today, and for the unwavering love and support of his parents and two brothers. Looking ahead, he hopes to care for children battling cancer, take his mom on a long-awaited trip to the Philippines, and give back to his family for everything they've done for him.

He lives by the words:
"It's not about the obstacles you face in life, but rather the ability to persevere."

Congratulations, Parker! Your courage, compassion, and commitment to helping others inspire us all. We can't wait to see the incredible impact you'll make in the lives of future patients.

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Reno, NV

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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