Today, we announce the renaming of Cancer Hope Network’s annual CHN Golf Classic Flame of Courage Award to the Michael Kzirian Flame of Courage Award, in honor of our late board member and friend, Michael Kzirian. During his 12 years on our board, Michael made an unforgettable impact. His Mike-isms are fondly remembered by his colleagues on the board and the CHN staff with gratitude for their wisdom, a gentle chuckle for their humor, and a warm heart for their thoughtfulness. Michael Kzirian was the best of the best and we are all better for having known him.

A recipient of the Flame of Courage award in 2018, Michael served as Cancer Hope Network’s Board Secretary, a member of our Golf Committee, and part of the Cancer Hope Network Vision 2025 Strategic Planning Committee until his passing in 2022. We remember him and his contributions to our mission daily and are confident that this year’s award honoree embodies many of the same qualities.

We are also excited to announce the honoree of the inaugural Corporate Philanthropic Leadership Award, which helps recognize the companies and organizations that support us, as well as to spotlight local heroes contributing to our mission in meaningful ways. The Corporate Philanthropic Leadership Award celebrates an individual or group who embodies integrity, demonstrates leadership in helping those impacted by cancer, and models excellence in the field of philanthropy.

The Michael Kzirian Flame of Courage Award, as well as the inaugural Cancer Hope Network Corporate Philanthropic Leadership Award will be presented at the cocktail reception of the 28th Annual CHN Golf Classic, sponsored by Deloitte, on June 12, 2023.

Keeping the Flame of Courage Lit

Cancer Hope Network is excited to present Claudio Pannunzio with the 2023 Michael Kzirian Flame of Courage Award at this year’s CHN Golf Classic. Claudio is an extraordinary volunteer and supporter of Cancer Hope Network’s mission and we are delighted to recognize him in this way.

Claudio is a cancer survivor and trained Cancer Hope Network Support Volunteer mentor who lives in Greenwich, CT. In addition to serving as a Support Volunteer, Claudio was a valued member of the Cancer Hope Network Vision 2025 Strategic Planning Committee in 2021-2022.

Adding to the many ways that Claudio makes a difference in the Cancer Hope Network Community, he will be joining the Cancer Hope Network team in Washington, D.C., on June 23rd to present at the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship’s Annual Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team Symposium.

Claudio is the Director of New Business & Public Relations for Adler Branding & Marketing in New York City and the CEO & Founder of I-Impact Group, Inc. in Greenwich, CT.

We thank Claudio for his continued contributions to our cause and look forward to presenting the Michael Kzirian Flame of Courage Award to him at the 2023 CHN Golf Classic on June 12th!

Philanthropy at its Finest

The first-ever honoree for Cancer Hope Network’s Corporate Philanthropic Leadership Award is CCG Marketing Solutions, a specialized 3rd party logistics (3PL) provider who regularly supports philanthropic efforts at both the local and national level.   

CCG Marketing Solutions’ affiliation with Cancer Hope Network began with a printing donation in 2019.  Since then, they have contributed in many ways including hosting an organization-wide promotional campaign for Giving Tuesday—helping to raise awareness about the important work we do with their employees and matching employee donations to raise $5,000.

Thank you again to CCG Marketing Solutions and their employees for their continued support. We can’t wait to honor them at the 2023 CHN Golf Classic on June 12th!