The Hope Travels 5K fundraising event supported Kristoffer Kristensen, a local man living with a rare bone cancer and an associated amputation.
Participants on May 14 included Hopewell Valley Central High Schools’ SMAC (Students Moving Against Cancer). Others walked, ran, rode or rolled 3.1 miles, either in person or virtually.
Each registration for the Hope Travels 5K benefits the national nonprofit Help Hope Live in honor of Kristoffer Kristensen of Hopewell. To make a donation, visit https://helphopelive.org/campaign/19679/
Kristensen was diagnosed with the rare bone cancer chondrosarcoma in September 2020 in his pelvis and hip. The cancer was so severe that doctors advised immediate surgery. He had his left pelvis, left hip, and left leg amputated.
“Since that day, my whole life has changed,” Kristensen said in a statement.
He lost most of his mobility and independence, his career, and many of his capabilities as a husband and father.
“I’m still me … and I’m still here,” he said in the statement. “I will become a better person than I was before this happened. I am determined not to give up or give in.”
Kristensen turned to Help Hope Live to start a campaign at https://helphopelive.org/campaign/19679/. In just three months, the campaign raised over $9,800, as of press time. Kristoffer is halfway to his $20,000 goal, which will help bring a critical mobility supply within reach: a motorized scooter so he can fully access his home and community.
He posts frequent updates and videos on his fundraising page of his progress in physical therapy with his prosthetic leg.
Because Kristensen is working with Help Hope Live for medical fundraising, donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover only verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient. Funds raised do not jeopardize his eligibility for state-based benefits such as disability and Medicaid, according to the statement.
