The Sandi McCool Champions of Hope is a 5-K, 10-K and half marathon competitive race, 1-mile Spirit Walk and DPF Kids Zone community breast cancer awareness event staged annually by the Southeast Alabama Medical Center Foundation. Each year sponsors, runners, walkers, survivors and their families and friends gather to raise money and awareness about the importance of early detection and intervention.

Raising more than $930,011 since its inaugural year in 2008, proceeds from Champions of Hope help expand cancer services and programs offered by Southeast Alabama Medical Center, including Cancer Navigation Services, 3D mammography, customized information reference binders for newly diagnosed patients and post-mastectomy comfort kits.

Each year a breast cancer survivor is selected as the honorary chair of the Sandi McCool Champions of Hope event. Previous chairwomen include Sandi McCool (inaugural chair and event inspiration), Kelli Cundith, Kelli Hall, Franzie Bondy, Melinda McClendon, Sandi Brooks, Patty Harris and Valerie Harris. Our current chair is Janet Jones, , a 22-year survivor whose message of hope is cancer does not have to define you but can grow your appreciation for life, love for your family and your faith in God.