Hero Fund

Tough as Ace

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Notre Dame Football star Asaph "Ace" Schwapp died at the age of 26 from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He played fullback for the Fighting Irish from 2005-2008. The Tough As Ace Fund was founded by his friend to encourage teammates, friends and Notre Dame supporters to continue to fight against cancer in his memory.

2024

$10,860

Funds Raised in 2024

2023

$15,165

Funds Raised in 2023

$240,658

Total Funds Raised

Since 2014

On May 8, 2013 the Notre Dame University community received tragic news. After a yearlong battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Asaph "Ace" Schwapp had died. He was 26.

Ace was a legendary fullback for the Fighting Irish from 2005-2008 and a well-loved friend and teammate. He is remembered as one of the strongest individuals to step foot on the gridiron in South Bend. His fellow teammate, Eric Maust, described it best, "Earth lost a great individual who defied expectations--his arms were like legs, his legs were like small children, but his heart was what impressed so many people who had the fortune of knowing him."

Notre Dame football teammate and longtime St. Baldrick’s supporter, Mike Anello, vowed to do something to honor Ace’s memory. He reached out to his Notre Dame teammates and classmates with the hope of gathering additional support and making a difference in the fight against cancer. This Fund was created to remember Ace and continue the fight against cancer in his honor.

Tough as Ace Highlights & Happenings

The Last Fullback of Notre Dame

"Uncle, brother, friend -- Ace wore many hats for those around him, touching everyone with his infectious charisma." Read the full story.

Irish Alums Race To Remember Schwapp

Six Notre Dame alums teamed up to run the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon and raised more than $20,000 for childhood cancer research in memory of Ace. Read the full story.

Filling the Funding Gap

Learn about the funding gap that impacts childhood cancer research and how St. Baldrick’s is trying to fill it.

Where does the money go?

Donations given to the Tough as Ace Fund go directly to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to fund lifesaving childhood cancer research around the world. The Foundation is guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of leading experts in the childhood cancer community, to ensure that every dollar makes the greatest impact for kids with cancer.

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Who's involved

These people make us smile - they’re the doers and money-raisers on behalf of Tough as Ace. They’re shaving their heads, hosting events, starting fundraisers and more to make childhood cancer research possible.

See who’s raising money

Get involved your own way:

Start your own St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to raise money on behalf of our Hero Fund! You’ll be paired with a staff member who will walk you through every step of the process, and you’ll have fun knowing you’re doing a great thing for kids with cancer.

Start an event

Register to shave your head and raise money for our Hero Fund at any St. Baldrick’s event happening around the world! Not finding an event near you? Register as a virtual shavee and shave your head anytime, anywhere.

Be a shavee

Head-shaving not your thing? You can start a fundraiser to raise money for our Hero Fund with St. Baldrick’s in a way that interests you! Like biking? Bike a marathon. Like baking? Start a cookie baking fundraiser… You get the picture.

Start a fundraiser