About Build a Team of Hope

Our organization was born out of a desire to take action. What started as an idea for an annual event has quickly grown into a concept to create hope for people in situations that often feel hopeless. Our dream is to positively impact the lives of those affected by cancer by easing the burdens they feel through what so often feels like a hopeless time in their lives. This organization memorializes Mary Rapelje. Mary was a wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and godmother to many. Her life was spent working tirelessly to improve the lives of those around her. Whether it was the countless days hosting friends and family at her home, teaching her girls the importance of giving back to your community and friends, or just providing a listening ear and a bit of sound advice, you could always count on Mary to leave the things in her life and the relationships she was a part of better than she found them. It is our sincere hope that we can use this organization to honor Mary’s life and positively impact lives the way she did so many times over the course of her life.

 

 

“WHEN SOMEONE HAS CANCER, THE WHOLE FAMILY AND EVERYONE WHO LOVES THEM DOES, TOO.”

-TERRI CLARK

 

 

“We all have been touched by cancer in some way. This disease impacts all of our lives. We all know someone who has had cancer, whether a close family member or a friend. Those battling cancer and those that have survived cancer are some of the strongest people on this planet. They are our heroes. I can’t think of anyone who better illustrated the strength and perseverance of these courageous heroes more than my mother-in-law, Mary Rapelje.

Mary is my Hero.”

 

-DEXTER RAUCH