saturday november 23rd 9am

Event Details

The Row-A-Thon is 42,195 meters, split between 10 members of a team. Teams are allowed to have less than 10 members, but we encourage a full team.

REGISTER YOUR TEAM

Anthony “AJ” De La Torre

AJ, a 16-year-old warrior, has been battling brain cancer since 2017, facing multiple relapses despite periods of remission. The cancer has now spread to his brain and spinal cord, yet AJ remains resilient, telling his parents after a recent MRI revealed five new spots, “It’s okay. We’ve fought this before, we can do it again.”

Over the past seven years, AJ has undergone countless rounds of high-dose chemo, stem cell treatments, and alternative therapies. These treatments have taken a toll on his kidneys, requiring dialysis twice. In January 2024, AJ suffered severe seizures that led to a 75-day stay in the PICU, including time in a medically induced coma. Despite the odds, AJ made it home and is now focusing on rebuilding his strength and immune system.

AJ’s spirit shines through in his love for building Legos, making stop-motion movies, drawing, and his passion for Star Wars. He’s even donated his artwork to support other kids fighting cancer.

AJ’s family—his mom, Carolina, a nurse; his dad, Ricky, an LAPD officer; and his younger sister, Gi, who is 11—dedicate their lives to serving others. Now, it’s our turn to support them. Many of AJ’s treatments, especially alternative ones, are not covered by insurance, placing a significant financial burden on the family.

Join us on November 23rd to raise funds and help this incredible family in their ongoing battle. Let’s show them that they are not alone in this fight.

DONATE HERE
Firefighter Cancer Support Network Logo

Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN)

The mission of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) is to assist firefighters and EMS providers and their immediate families diagnosed with cancer by providing badge-to-badge support, training, and guidance.

FCSN is all about doing it TOGETHER. They offer comfort, strength, and hope by sharing personal experiences with the devastating effects of cancer. FCSN also educates fire/EMS members about the importance of cancer screenings and early detection. Their goal is to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.

Since 2005, the nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization has provided one-on-one mentoring and assistance to over 11,000 firefighters and their families nationwide who have been diagnosed with cancer. They also provide free cancer awareness and prevention training to fire departments and agencies across the country. One of their core mottos is: "You fight fire, we fight cancer."

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect at the Row-A-Thon?

Teams of 10 will be rowing 42,195m (26.2 miles).
EVENT TIMELINE:
8:00 am - Check In
8:45 am - Check In Ends
8:50 am - Opening Ceremony
9:00 am - Rowing Starts
10:00 am - Food & Refreshments Will Be Available For Purchase
12:30pm Rowing Ends – TIME CAP (3 hr 30 min)

What are the rules for rowing?

Have fun! Remember, the Hope Horizon Foundation's motto is everyone can participate so come on down and don’t stress about the rules, you’re rowing for a good cause and a good workout.

How long will it take to row 42,195m?

However long it takes your team to finish. The Hope Horizon Foundation team will stay until the last team finishes. We do have an average time cap listed above. 

How many meters must each team member row?

We leave those details to you and your teammates. Some folks prefer to divide the row up equally, while others just row what they can then switch. Feel free to discuss your limitations and expectations amongst yourselves.

We provide hope to individuals and communities offering a helping hand when they need it most.

Our foundation is committed to restoring hope, resilience, and stability through compassionate aid, innovative solutions, and community solidarity. Together, we aim to rebuild not only physical structures but also the dreams and aspirations of those we serve, creating a brighter horizon for those who have faced the darkest of times.