Runner supports IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center in father’s memory

By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Indianapolis Suburban Region

After his father lost his battle with cancer, Michael Hartnagal ran a marathon around the IU Health Schwarz and IU Health West cancer centers as well as donated care packages for the patients there.

Michael Hartnagal is dedicated to helping cancer survivors in honor of his father. Ralph Hartnagal passed away in September 2023 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Now, Michael runs a marathon around one cancer center per month and donates care packages to each facility in Ralph’s memory.

Ralph was diagnosed with cancer in early 2017. After finding out the cancer had spread, he began chemotherapy right away. He was primarily treated at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center, but he also came to the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center for some appointments.

“I could not say more amazing things about the whole IU Health experience,” Michael says. “They always went above and beyond for Dad and my family.”

Feeling connected through running

Running was a way Michael could feel connected to his dad during Ralph’s chemotherapy or radiation appointments.

“Through my dad’s cancer battle, he never really stopped or let cancer slow him down,” Michael says. “My dad was always super active. My family grew up hiking and playing sports and stuff like that.”

Ralph began a running streak at the beginning of 2021 to stay active and try to get ahead of the cancer with physical activity. When Ralph’s body became too tired or weak to run, Michael picked it up.

“I found this interesting unique solidarity by me doing intense running challenges,” he says.

Coming full circle

After his father passed, Michael started a nonprofit called Metastatic Mission. He returned to the IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center in May to run the perimeter of the campus and donate care packages to the facility.

“I really wanted to do Schwarz because I remember going there with my dad,” he explains.

During his monthly marathons, Michael’s family and friends join him, along with others in the community who are battling cancer or have a loved one affected by cancer. During his run at the cancer center in Carmel, he estimates between 45 and 50 people came out to show support throughout the day.

Running close to home

In June, Michael went to another IU Health facility for his monthly marathon–the IU Health West Cancer Center in Avon. Though his father did not receive treatment at this facility, the Hartnagal family is deeply rooted in Hendricks County.

Ralph grew up in Brownsburg and raised his children there. He taught for 37 years at Avon High School and coached baseball and tennis in Brownsburg.

“I wanted to do IU Health West because of the Brownsburg connection and that’s where I was born and raised,” Michael says.

After his run, Michael donated more care packages for the patients battling cancer at IU Health West.

Sharing hope and healing

Though Ralph passed away before Michael started his nonprofit, he thinks his dad would be proud.

“It’s about carrying on who my dad was. His biggest thing was to stay positive,” Michael says. “Even though the fight against cancer is hard, it’s choosing to find blessings and positives through those challenges.”

And for those currently affected by cancer, he shares a message of love.

“For anyone going through something like this, I want to share that life is precious. Be present, share those moments, tell people you love them. You never truly know when it’s going to be someone’s time.”