About The Beth Boone Buech Foundation
The Beth Boone Buech Foundation is dedicated to funding cancer research while supporting individuals and families facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Our Mission is to improve cancer outcomes by funding groundbreaking research while also providing essential support services and resources to individuals and families, honoring Beth’s memory through impactful action.
The Beth Boone Buech Foundation is committed to creating a lasting impact in the lives of those affected by cancer. We focus our efforts on two primary areas:
Funding Cancer Research
We direct our fundraising efforts to support organizations like the American Cancer Society and the Glioblastoma Research Organization. We are exploring opportunities to partner with leading medical institutions and researchers to fund projects that can improve patient outcomes.
Providing Support and Resources
We are committed to offering compassionate support to individuals and families navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and are dedicated to programs that provide essential resources and assistance.
Our Story
From Grief to Purpose: Honoring Beth’s Enduring Spirit
How We Got Started
Long before the Foundation’s formal establishment, our family had already begun channeling our love for Beth into action through various fundraising efforts. The first annual Beth Boone Buech Snoball Tournament at Avon Softball Park in 2011, benefiting the American Cancer Society, laid the groundwork for a larger vision.
We witnessed firsthand the power of the community coming together to support a cause that is so close to us. It became clear that to amplify our impact and ensure Beth’s memory continued to inspire, formalizing these efforts into a dedicated non-profit foundation was the natural next step. The Beth Boone Buech Foundation was thus established, a testament to enduring love and a commitment to making a difference.
Where We Are Now
Today, the Beth Boone Buech Foundation strives to be a beacon of hope, dedicated to funding critical cancer research and offering compassionate support to individuals and families affected by cancer. We are proud to have formally launched our mission, building on the incredible momentum generated by our community.
Last October, through the incredible generosity of our supporters and the combined success of online donations and our annual golf tournament, we raised a remarkable $16,569.48. These funds are currently directed to impactful organizations like the American Cancer Society, directly contributing to vital research and support programs.
What's On the Horizon
Looking ahead, our vision is to expand our reach and deepen our impact. We are actively researching and planning to develop our own programs that will provide essential resources and assistance directly to individuals and families navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis. We’re already making plans for 2025, with our annual golf tournament scheduled for Friday, October 3rd, and an ambitious stretch goal of raising $25,000. We are committed to expanding our impact as we move forward, inviting everyone to join us in this crucial fight, ensuring Beth’s legacy continues to shine brightly.
Featured Foundation Sponsors
Get Involved Today
Do you want to get involved with the Beth Boone Buech Foudnation? We'd love to have you! Contact us below.
Meet the Team and Board of Directors
Destini Anderson
Destini was born and raised in Gary, IN. Growing up, Destini was always taught that she should be a helping hand whenever and wherever she can. With this life lesson engrained in her, Destini decided she would pursue a legal career.
She attended and graduated from Lourdes University with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2017, and then attended Robert H. McKinney School of Law where she received her Juris Doctor degree in 2020. Destini passed the Indiana Bar in 2022, and has using her legal knowledge to help others with business law, estate planning/administration, and family law.
Unfortunately, Destini is no stranger to the effects of cancer. Her father was diagnosed with cancer and it claimed his life in 2012. Destini’s college best friend was also diagnosed with cancer and it claimed her life in 2019. Losing both of these amazing people made Destini passionate about cancer research and the hope of one day finding a cure.
Joining the Beth Boone Buech Foundation was a personal decision for her, and she looks forward to working with this foundation to help the world get a little closer to finally finding a cure for cancer.
Marie Boone
Marie is a graduate of Indiana University, Marie brings over 40 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant, with a distinguished career in both private and public accounting, specializing in tax strategy and compliance.
Marie’s financial acumen and deep commitment to community service make her a vital asset to the Foundation’s leadership. Her dedication to advancing cancer research is rooted in a personal passion for helping others and creating lasting impact through meaningful philanthropy.
Outside of her professional and nonprofit work, Marie is a proud mother of three, grandmother to four, and great-grandmother to three. She enjoys reading, traveling, and gardening in her spare time.
Colleen Hayden
Board Member
Colleen is a mother of four who retired early as Executive Counsel for WellPoint, Inc., when one of her children was diagnosed with a genetic disorder. This lifestyle change dramatically improved her daughter’s health and allowed Colleen to volunteer her time and resources to the community.
Over the years, she has held numerous leadership roles in parent-based organizations supporting St. Luke Catholic School, Washington Township Schools, Washington Township and Carmel Swim Clubs, North Central High School Athletics, and North Central Performing Arts. After continuing some of these roles well after her children were no longer participating, she is excited to bring her work ethic and years of volunteering experience to the Beth Boone Buech Foundation’s board.
Like way too many other people, Colleen’s life has been touched by cancer. Her grandfather died of colon cancer when he was just 62 years old. Both of her parents have been permanently disfigured by skin cancer on their faces and necks. Just this year, her husband, Paul, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and a long-time colleague and friend was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.
“I know firsthand what it is like to have life change in an instant by a medical diagnosis, and pledge to do whatever I can to raise cancer awareness and support efforts to find cures.”
Mark Kusatzky
Mark Kusatzky is a seasoned criminal defense attorney based in Wilmette, Illinois, with over three decades of experience. He’s been a solo practitioner for 32 years, following five years of service with the Public Defender’s Office.
Mark earned his J.D. from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1987, after completing undergraduate degrees in Political Science (1982) and Business Marketing/Management (1983) at Indiana University. Like so many, Mark’s life has been touched by cancer, and he is proud to support the Beth Boone Buech Foundation.
He resides in Wilmette with his wife, Julie Campbell, and they are proud parents to two adult daughters, Lori (a book editor) and Sheri (pursuing her master’s in education at Columbia), both residing in New York City.
Kelly Poole
Secretary
Born and raised on a farm in Shelbyville, Indiana, Kelly has a deep-rooted appreciation for community and hard work. With a degree in English, she began her career at the AAU Foundation and then Indiana Bell Communications (Ameritech), before finishing with a distinguished tenure as Senior Regional Manager at AT&T Capital Services, Inc. from 1995 until her retirement in 2021. In 2023, Kelly embarked on a new adventure as a middle school English teacher at St. Susanna Catholic School, where she brings her passion for literature and education to the classroom.
Kelly is a two-time cancer survivor—Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2002 and breast cancer in 2020-21. Her husband, Jim, is a 14-year survivor of stage 4 prostate cancer. Together, they have been active members of St. Susanna Church in Avon, Indiana, for 25 years, where they have lived since 1996 with their identical twin sons, Mark and Luke.
“My life reflects my values and faith: resilience, dedication, and a commitment to serving others both professionally and personally while also supporting cancer awareness and advocacy. I love reading, playing golf, traveling, and spending quality time with my family.”
Steve Boone
President
Steve brings a unique blend of professional acumen and heartfelt dedication to the Foundation. With over 25 years of navigating the dynamic world of technology sales and leadership at companies like Indiana Bell, AT&T, and Nortel Networks, he possesses a deep understanding of how to build and leverage resources effectively. Beyond the corporate sphere, Steve’s entrepreneurial spirit has driven him for more than 30 years, providing invaluable insight into the dedication and strategic thinking required to build a successful organization from the ground up.
Steve’s commitment to the fight against cancer is deeply personal and long-standing. For years, he has actively championed cancer research fundraising, personally raising over $100,000 through various events and initiatives. This passion, combined with his extensive leadership experience and entrepreneurial drive, makes him a natural fit to guide the Beth Boone Buech Foundation.
“Having witnessed firsthand the void cancer leaves behind, I am honored to lead this Foundation in Beth’s memory,” says Steve. “My goal is to leverage my experience and passion to ensure we make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer and provide tangible support to families navigating its challenges.”
Beth Cornelius
Board Member
Beth has a background in Medical Technology with over a decade of experience running an OB/GYN laboratory before transitioning to IT where she spent 12 years in the IT Department at a reference laboratory.
Now retired, Beth remains active as the President of an Indianapolis Investment Club and serves on the Mission Team at Northminster Presbyterian Church. She enjoys filling her days spending time with her two grandsons or listening to live music with her daughter and son-in-law, or friends around Indianapolis.
As a 12-year breast cancer survivor, she is a proud member of Indy Survive Oars, a competitive dragon boat racing team that empowers cancer survivors through sport and camaraderie. Her dedication to helping individuals and families who have been impacted by cancer now spreads to the Beth Boone Buech Foundation.
“I am passionate about service, leadership, and resilience. I look forward to bringing my experience and dedication to the Beth Boone Buech Foundation’s board and am eager to see where this can take us.”
Dan Holt
Treasurer
Michelle Maddox
Executive Director
Michelle brings a vibrant energy and a wealth of creative expertise to the Beth Boone Buech Foundation. As a seasoned marketing consultant with over 15 years of experience in the dynamic world of digital marketing and graphic design, she possesses a keen understanding of how to build awareness and connect with audiences. She currently runs her successful marketing agency, Michelle Maddox Marketing, and brings her marketing and design expertise, coupled with a passion to positively impact the world, into her role as the executive director.
Beyond her professional life, Michelle cherishes her time spent with her large family, including four children, three grandchildren, and husband. She often finds shared moments of family fun in the yard and garden alongside their dog and cat.
“When my aunt Beth died, it left a huge hole in our family that hasn’t been the same since. We were rocked with the fragility of life, and I needed something to do with my grief and frustration. This has been an ideal outlet and a wonderful way to honor her memory. My dad always said we were two peas in a pod, and I can not think of a higher compliment.”
Ralph Wize
Ralph Wize is the founder and owner of Wize Insurance & Risk Management, an integrated insurance provider located in Indianapolis. Ralph works closely with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations, helping identify their insurance needs and designing tailored solutions. He founded his agency in 2017.
Ralph is a proud veteran of the U.S. Military, where he served for eight years. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology with a focus on Management from Ball State University.
Ralph is a member of the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce and teaches the insurance class within the Small Business Association (SBA) entrepreneur course. He is Board President of the Professional Insurance Association of Indiana (PIA) and Immediate Past President of the National African American Insurance Association Indiana Chapter, as well as a founding member of The Black Friday Network.
Ralph is dedicated to enhancing the community where he lives and works. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and a mentor in its Kappa League program. He also serves as a mentor for the Boys’ Rites of Passage program at Little Bethel Baptist Church. Ralph’s greatest satisfactions stem from helping his family and community strive to be their best possible selves!
We’ve Raised over $100,000 to Help Increase Cancer Research, Advocacy and Patient Support.
The Beth Boone Buech Foundation is committed to creating a lasting impact in the lives of those affected by cancer. Our fundraising efforts directly support our commitment to providing compassionate support and essential resources to individuals and families navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Make a difference with us – attend events, volunteer, spread awareness, donate, or create a fundraiser to amplify our collective impact.