The BlakeStrong Story

The BlakeStrong Bowell Fund was established to honor Blake Bowell’s courageous 4 year battle with brain cancer. Blake was an all-state runner at Franklin Central H.S. in Indianapolis and received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. While there he was severely injured during training exercises and received an Honorable Medical Discharge with full Veteran status. Not shortly after leaving Annapolis, Blake became sick with a rare form of Glioblastoma (Sarcoma). He took on this new challenge with dignity and a level of faith that touched many people throughout his journey. 

Blake passed away on June, 5, 2017 at the age of 25. However, the story is far from finished as his life continues to inspire many! 

Blake and his father Mark, while at a music festival on Lake Shafer in Monticello Indiana, 'ShaferStock',  in the summer of 2014 following numerous discussions,  formed what was the foundation to what is now the BlakeStrong Bowell Fund.  In the early days of BlakeStrong Bowell Fund; fundraisers held raised money for American Cancer Society and The Refuge to further research and help to provide family support.  In the Spring of 2017 the BlakeStrong Bowell Fund 501c3 was formed, the first Franklin Central Student Athlete Scholarships were awarded and Music Jam 12.5 (12.5 inches from the heart to the brain) was held to benefit programs conducting research and providing awareness of stroke and brain cancer. 

Mark Bowell, President, Lakin Bowell, Vice President

LeDania Carmichael, Treasurer, Kris Bowen, Secretary 

Joey Banfield, Alex Bogard, Billy Khamis, Max Roberts, Dan Carmichael, 

Michael Kammes, David Lieberman, Clayton Leslie, Eric Bullard,  Abby Springer, 

Kenzie Funk, Kayla Kammes, Jack Geshay, and DJ Lieberman