Leaving a Legacy

A Secret Service agent based in Phoenix, AZ, Rodney Wellman was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in October 2018. He was an avid runner, and decided to use his passion as a way to fundraise for lung cancer research. His first race was a 5K organized by GO2 for Lung Cancer where he raised $8,000.

Rodney continued his fundraising efforts by joining the GO2 for Lung Cancer Endurance Team for a 100k race – all while battling late-stage lung cancer. Tragically, Wellman lost his battle on January 5, 2021, but his fighting spirit lives on through his loved ones.

This year, they decided to hold the first annual Rod Wellman Memorial Cornhole Tournament to honor Rodney’s legacy and continue his efforts to give back to the lung cancer community. His family was thrilled with the results – in addition to raising awareness about the disease, they exceeded their fundraising and attendance goals.

Rodney’s father, Simon, said his favorite memories of the day were “[seeing] volunteers walking into the hall with boxes and boxes of pizza in their hands for everyone to enjoy, the BIG SMILES on the faces of those who won auction prizes, and last, but certainly not least, the tears and hugs between so many in attendance as they remembered their loved ones who had lost their battle with lung cancer.”

Rodney’s loved ones are already planning next year’s tournament on January 7, 2023, with all proceeds benefitting GO2 for Lung Cancer.

Fundraising events like the Rod Wellman Memorial Cornhole Tournament is just one of the creative ways our supporters are hosting to raise much-needed revenue.  They are also a way for anyone whose life has been affected by lung cancer to find community and hope.