Celebrating Frank’s Remarkable Journey for Childhood Cancer Research
We’re thrilled to celebrate Frank Gioscia, a longtime Ultimate Hike champion, who has officially surpassed $500,000 in lifetime fundraising—a milestone that makes him Ultimate Hike’s top fundraiser of all time! Frank’s dedication to funding research for safer and more effective childhood cancer treatments has earned him our first-ever 10X Everest Award, a special recognition for every $50,000 “summit” he’s reached on his fundraising journey.
Frank, 73, has been a part of the Ultimate Hike family for years, pouring his energy, passion and commitment into raising funds for lifesaving children’s cancer research. Frank first joined Ultimate Hike in 2011 after a friend handed him a flyer. “I went to a meeting and the rest is history,” Frank shared. Shortly after that, a young family friend was diagnosed with cancer at just 6 years old. “I’ve been hiking for Gavin for years,” said Frank. “The truth is, I hike for all children with cancer.” The 73-year-old stays in prime shape through his passion for hiking, which he does year-round in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park near his home.
“With CureSearch, my hiking took on new meaning. As I finish an Ultimate Hike, I see all of the pictures of the kids who are fighting cancer and those who lost their battle. I am so thankful that I can do this for them. It is the most rewarding thing I have ever done.”
Since then, Frank has taken on hundreds of miles on multiple Ultimate Hikes across the country, and he’s inspired countless family, friends, and community members to support his mission. His passion for helping kids is evident in everything he does, from his relentless fundraising efforts to the miles he’s completed. Each $50,000 he’s raised represents another “summit” reached on his journey to help fund critical research for better, safer treatments. His journey to this half-million-dollar milestone speaks to the unwavering power of community, uniting those who share his vision of a world where every child can live cancer-free.
The funds raised by Ultimate Hikers, like Frank, are advancing research for treatments that not only cure but also spare children from the lasting effects of toxic therapies. With each mile hiked and dollar raised, Ultimate Hikers, like Frank, and their supporters are bringing us closer to the safe, effective treatments that every with cancer child deserves.
Happy trails, Frank, and fellow Foothills Fall Ultimate Hikers!
This Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, Frank will join fellow hikers on the scenic Foothills Trail, known for its breathtaking autumnal views, for our final event of the 2024 Ultimate Hike season. It’s a fitting conclusion to a record-breaking season where we saw hikers of all ages and fitness levels come together on trails across the country. And as Frank hikes the Foothills Trail, he’ll be carrying with him not only the honor of his 10X Everest Achieve Award but the inspiration and hope of so many families impacted by childhood cancer.
Thank you, Frank, for your commitment, heart, and for showing us that every mile truly does make a difference. We’re endlessly inspired by your commitment and look forward to celebrating your next milestone!
