Redemption

For Josh Holi, it's a new day rising, in more ways than one. Photo: Bryan Karl Lathrop
For Josh Holi, it’s a new day rising, in more ways than one. Photo: Bryan Karl Lathrop

Legacy of Hope is proud to introduce Josh Holi to its team as a sponsored runner for the Love Run 2025 Half Marathon. If ever there was a story of redemption through self-reliance, Josh’s is it. Once faced with the challenges of incarceration and societal stigma, he has since transformed his life through relentless determination and a commitment to helping others. As a motivational speaker, software product manager, and founder of the personal development brand Cymbyl, Holi channels his past struggles into a force for change. His involvement with Legacy of Hope and participation in events like PHL24 highlight his dedication to both personal growth and community impact, making him a powerful advocate for our mission and a symbol of hope for all.

Holi’s story is a true testament to the transformative power of determination. Born and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Holi’s life took a tumultuous turn in his early twenties which led to his incarceration. Now a software product manager, motivational speaker, and founder of the personal development brand Cymbyl, Holi has redeemed himself—through disciplined hard work, and the message of change and empowerment he seeks to share with the world.

At the age of 22, Holi’s life was upended when he was charged with attempted homicide after an incident with his sister’s ex-boyfriend got out of control. Reflecting on this dark chapter, he recalls, “I went on the run for 13 months before I was apprehended and given a sentence of 5-10 years in Pennsylvania State Prison.” He served five years, a period that would redefine his trajectory. His time in prison proved both cathartic and catalytic. “There were several rock bottom moments,” Josh shares. “but they ignited a process of self-education and personal transformation.”

Holi started Cymbyl, an acronym for “Change Your Mindset, Build Your Life,” in August 2024 as the embodiment of his vision for helping others. Initially focused on supporting those in precarious situations or involved in crime, his vision for the brand has evolved into a broader platform for anyone seeking personal growth. “My goal,” he explains, “is to not only have workshops but also to build a community where people can connect, hold each other accountable, and access resources to help them achieve their goals.”

Dawn and pre-dawn runs and workouts are part of the routine. "Wolves out early." as Josh likes to say. Photo: Bryan Karl Lathrop
Dawn and pre-dawn runs and workouts are part of the routine. “Wolves out early.” as Josh likes to say. Photo: Bryan Karl Lathrop

Holi’s journey to redemption was marked by overcoming the significant obstacle of the stigma of a criminal record. “I definitely faced discrimination and still do,” he acknowledges. “There’s a ton of things I can’t do, whether it’s specific jobs, loans, or even renting apartments.” Despite these challenges, his mindset is firmly rooted in perseverance and optimism. “The things that are for me will be there for me,” he said, emphasizing the importance of not using setbacks as excuses. His straightforward transparency about his past and how it has changed him also helped propel him forward

Holi cools off at the PHL24. Photo: Bryan Karl Lathrop
Holi cools off at the PHL24. Photo: Bryan Karl Lathrop

Education played a key role in Holi’s transformation. After his release, he pursued an associate’s degree and later a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in IT. “Originally, I was a computer science major,” he shares, “but because things started taking off with my career, I was able to save a lot more time and get out of school a year and a half earlier with a different degree.” His determination to succeed academically exemplifies his commitment to creating a better future for himself (and others).

Holi’s connection with Legacy of Hope and its annual PHL24 challenge marks another milestone in his journey. The event—a 24-hour stair climb at the Philadelphia Art Museum’s “Rocky” steps—raises critical funding (as well as awareness) for Philadelphia’s at-risk oncology population—resonated deeply with him due to personal losses and family battles with the disease. “PHL24 was an opportunity to pay my respects to the family members we’ve lost and to those who are still fighting.” Well before the halfway point of the grueling event, with his body “starting to give out,” Holi pushed himself to new limits. “It was challenging to get out of those dark places…where you want to quit and nothing matters,” he reflects.

Holi celebrates the end of a 52 mile, 24 hour slog at 2024 PHL24. Photo: Bryan Karl Lathrop
Holi celebrates the end of a 52 mile, 24 hour slog at 2024 PHL24. Photo: Bryan Karl Lathrop

Holi’s dedication to physical fitness is now firmly planted in running, where the relative newcomer has achieved some significant milestones. “The 2023 Philly Half Marathon was my first race,” he notes. His trajectory from novice to competitor in events like the Love Run and the Philly Marathon has been swift. But Holi doesn’t let it go to his head, stating “Running isn’t about the act itself; it’s about the relationships, connections, and support you gain.” Holi’s humble perspective belies his solid race performances: 2:04 in his first half marathon, 1:54 in his first Love Run, 52.7 miles in the PHL24, and then, a month later, a respectable 4:27 in his first marathon (the Philly Marathon). For good measure, because he was disappointed with his performance on the hilly sections of the marathon, he subjected himself to an unsanctioned marathon on the Ben Franklin Bridge, completing his self-imposed challenge (and all of its 2608′ of climb) in just over 5 hours! Not surprisingly, Holi’s goal for the 2025 Love Run Half Marathon is “around 1:45.”

One of the most profound lessons Holi has gleaned from his experience is the power of perception. “The way I interpret what I see creates the world I’m living in,” he explains. “Once I understood that I’m in control of my reactions and my worldview, everything changed.” This realization is a cornerstone of his philosophy and a central theme in his workshops.

Holi celebrates the end of a 52 mile, 24 hour slog at 2024 PHL24. Photo: Bryan Karl Lathrop
Holi celebrates the end of a 52 mile, 24 hour slog at 2024 PHL24. Photo: Bryan Karl Lathrop

Holi’s mantra, “There’s nothing new under the sun,” encapsulates his approach to adversity. “Whatever challenge I experience, I remind myself that others have faced and overcome it,” he said. “That understanding gives me confidence to push forward.”

Through Cymbyl, Holi aims to inspire change in others. “After everything I went through, the fact that I’ve climbed out of that darkness and now have a positive impact shows what’s possible,” he said. His message isn’t limited to those with similar pasts but extends to anyone navigating personal challenges. “We all face struggles in our own way,” he acknowledges. “I hope to be a proving ground that change is always possible.”Holi’s journey is a powerful reminder of the human capacity for redemption and growth. His story encourages us all to embrace change, pursue our potential, and believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow. You can contribute to Josh’s Love Run fundraiser, which helps Legacy of Hope at-risk cancer patients in Philadelphia. If you want to go the extra [13.1] mile(s)—or 7k—register at https://www.legacyofhope.life/love-run-2025/, and Legacy of Hope will refund your race registration fee if you raise $250. Your contribution could make all the difference for someone facing the fight of their life.

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Elliott Sina

Elliott is a medical student at Thomas Jefferson University’s Sidney Kimmel Medical College, driven by a commitment to advancing care for cancer patients through clinical insight and research. He leads Legacy of Hope’s research initiative, evaluating the impact of the Emergency Patient Support Network on patients’ quality of life. Through his efforts, Elliott aims to amplify Legacy of Hope’s mission, combining patient-centered care with meaningful, data-driven advocacy.

Mike 2

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Dr. Claudia Capparelli, PhD

Affiliations: Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

Education: PhD, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy – 2011

Focus & Impact:  Focus on the role of the SOX10 transcription factor with regard to tumor cell heterogeneity and plasticity across multiple genotypes in melanoma. Investigating how SOX10 plasticity/heterogeneity affects the response to MEKi and anti-ErbB3 combinations in WT BRAF melanoma patients. 

Publications: Publications Link

Honors & Awards:

  • Legacy of Hope Merit Award

  • Outrun the Sun Melanoma Research Scholar Award

  • Unical Fellowship Visiting Scholar

  • International Pigment Cell Conference Travel Award

  • Best Poster Presentation, Ninth Annual Jefferson Post-doctoral Research

  • INPDAP Fellowship for Student Merit 

  • University of Calabria Fellowships for Student Merit 

Dr. Qing Chen, M.D., Ph.D.

Affiliations: The Wistar Institute, The Chen Laboratory, University of Maryland

Education: PhD,Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, State University of New York at Buffalo (Dean’s Award for outstanding dissertation) – 2006

Focus & Impact:  Focus is on the molecular mechanisms of brain metastasis originating from primary tumors like breast cancer, and the interplay between cancer cells and the stromal cells that populate the brain microenvironment. 

Publications: Publications Link

Honors & Awards​:

  • Legacy of Hope Merit Award

  • Jayne Koskinas Ted Giovanis Foundation for Health and Policy Award

  • Susan G. Komen, CCR Basic/Translational and Clinical application

  • The V Foundation for Cancer Research Award

  • Dissertation Research Award, Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation 

Nia Andrews

Bio Coming Soon

Rebecca Blinn

Bio Coming Soon

Carol Sollenberger

Bio Coming Soon

Maree Lavo

Bio Coming Soon

Bryan Lathrop

Bio Coming Soon

Kimberly S. Reed

An award winning international speaker, author, corporate trainer and diversity, equality and inclusion executive, nationally recognized thought leader, expert, strategist and advisor to some of the world’s most influential organizations in global professional services, health care, financial services, consumer products and pharmaceutical industries.

Kimberly is a seasoned leader in transforming organizations into high-performing enterprises and challenging leaders to live without limits, with more than 20 years of HR, talent acquisition, and diversity & inclusion experience; successfully turning around troubled diversity practices by designing, building, leading, and shaping high-performing cultures at global organizations with robust strategies, global employee development programs and enterprise-wide initiatives that have increased revenue growth and organizational brand eminence.

Michele Redrow

Michele is a Director on the Legacy of Hope board and also serves on the Executive Committee.

mary chicorelli

Professional:  Mary is a certified city planner for Philadelphia, a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association as well as the Philadelphia Bar Association, and the Pro Bono Honor Roll First Judicial District of Philadelphia.

Bio: Mary’s insight into the legal world is invaluable to Legacy of Hope, both in keeping our daily operations moving fluidly as well as making connections for our patients and their families when needed.

“Michael reached out to me about 2 years ago through mutual friends. We worked together to help a woman with stage 4 cancer get her electricity turned back on after it was shut off during the winter. I’ve been 100% supportive of Mike’s vision since then.”

joseph ruggieri, jr

Education: Bachelor’s of Science from West Chester University in Management and Finance

Bio: As a member of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.’s upper management team, Joseph brings a wealth of knowledge regarding finances, management, team-building and planning to the Legacy of Hope board. Joseph linked up with Michael, our President, and Wells Fargo began supporting Legacy of Hope annually.

“My father passed away from what started as Colon Cancer in 2015. Cancer is horrible and if there is something I can do to help others impacted I would want to be a part of it.”

David April

David is the founder of the Fishtown Beer Runners, an organization with chapters all over the world based here in Philadelphia.

dr. kevin kelly

Dr. Kevin Kelly leads Legacy of Hope’s Scientific Review Board to seek out and support the most promising cancer research in Philadelphia using a merit-based system.  He is Jefferson’s Director of Solid Tumor Oncology.

greg garber

Greg Garber is the director of Oncology Support Services at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center.

Gina Mancuso

Gina’s experience as the very successful co-owner of CoreFitness, LLC coupled with her expertise in planning special events makes her the perfect Vice President for Legacy of Hope. With energy, passion, and drive that makes her seem superhuman, Gina’s connection to our mission is a personal one.

“Both my father and my dear childhood friend were diagnosed with cancer within 3 months of one another. They were surrounded and supported by friends and family throughout their battle and until their passing. No one should suffer through a diagnosis alone and, without Legacy of Hope, some people would do just that.”

Michael Rowe

Awards:

Volatile Media Management’s Mover, Shaker, Changemaker Award – February 2017

Miles Mack Community Services & Leadership Honorable Mention – 2016 TJUH Emergency Department Technician of the Year, Physicians Choice Award – 2015

TJUH Emergency Department Technician of the Year, Physicians Choice Award – 2014

Bio:

With his free time so limited, Michael manages to fuse his work with his other passion: running. Whether it is with the Fishtown Beer Runners, our own Team Relentless Hope, or his closest friends, Michael can often be spotted on the streets of Philadelphia keeping himself fit and active.