Resident Molly Oldham plans summer fundraisers for cancer research

by Alex Vukoder

Turning 21 is a milestone many young adults make big plans for, but for brain cancer survivor Molly Oldham, it also brings more ways she can help others. Since her diagnosis in 2019, Molly and her family have shared their story and used their talents to inspire other cancer survivors while raising funds and awareness for cancer nonprofits and research programs. This summer, Molly and her mother Bunny Oldham are working on two more projects to impact the cancer community.

Last year, Molly met Colin Gerner, the founder of New York-based nonprofit “StacheStrong” when they were both on ABC’s “The View” for Brain Cancer Awareness Month. When Colin’s brother underwent cancer treatment, he lost his hair, but could still grow a mustache; hence StacheStrong was born. One StacheStrong fundraiser, according to its website, is asking breweries to make a special brew and donate a portion of the proceeds to cancer research.

Molly said if she could join forces with groups like StacheStrong on specific projects, together, they could really move the mark on cancer.

With this thought in their minds, Molly and Bunny brought StacheStrong to the Bath community. Bunny recruited more than 30 breweries nationwide to support StacheStrong. Each brewery has created a limited edition StacheStrong beer, with $1 from each pint or can sold donated to brain cancer research through StacheStrong. Beers will be available until the special batches run out.

Participating local breweries include: Akronym Brewing (Akron and Montville Township), Blue Heron Brewery (Medina), Foeder House & Kitchen (Plain Township), HiHO Brewing Co. (Cuyahoga Falls), Ignite Brewing Co. (Barberton), Missing Falls Brewery (Akron), Missing Mountain Brewing Co. (Cuyahoga Falls), Royal Docks Brewing Co. (Jackson Township), R. Shea (Akron), and Wrecking Crew Brew Works (Medina).

Molly will turn 21 on July 19, but she isn’t done yet. With the help of the nonprofit, “Wishes Can Happen,” which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Ohio, Molly is turning Stewart’s Caring Place in Fairlawn into a selfie museum and hosting a “Gratitude Gala” on July 23.

The gala at the cancer treatment center will feature selfie rooms designed by several local organizations. It will also honor Gerner from StacheStrong; Bill Zito; Hockey Fights Cancer; Florida Panthers; Greg Flores, Cancer for College; and Bath resident Jeannine Marks, retired Stewart’s Caring Place executive director. This event will also raise funds for multiple organizations that support cancer research and programming.

“We are so proud of Molly for choosing to use her wish to bring people together to fight cancer,” said Bunny.

For more information about the #BrewStacheStrong campaign, visit stachestrong.org. For more information on the selfie museum Gratitude Gala, visit stewartscaringplace.org. Follow Molly’s journey on Instagram @the.mighty.molly. ∞